Leather craftsperson
Level 2 · IntermediateCreative and design 1.3 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
A leather craftsperson designs, cuts, and assembles leather goods such as handbags, footwear, saddlery, belts, and upholstery using traditional and contemporary techniques at level 2. Apprentices develop practical skills with hand tools and machinery while learning about the properties of different leathers and materials. The role leads to senior craftsperson, pattern cutter, or product development positions in the UK leather goods industry.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Properties of different types of leather, including grain, suede, and synthetic alternatives
Cutting techniques for achieving accurate, waste-conscious pattern pieces
Skiving, folding, and edge-finishing methods for neat, durable joins
Hand-stitching and machine-stitching techniques appropriate to different leather weights
Adhesives, rivets, and fastenings used in leather goods construction
How to read and use patterns and templates to consistent standards
Quality inspection of finished goods against brand or client specifications
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Cut leather accurately from patterns using knives, presses, or cutting machines
Skive edges to reduce bulk before folding and glueing components
Stitch components by hand or machine following specified stitch length and tension
Finish edges by burnishing, painting, or wax-finishing to a smooth result
Assemble components including straps, linings, fastenings, and hardware
Inspect finished pieces for defects and correct any faults before handover
Maintain tools and machinery in safe and clean working condition
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 2 (Intermediate) - roughly GCSE level. Often open with few or no formal qualifications - a strong first step. Some employers ask for a couple of GCSEs.
What’s next: Typically leads on to a Level 3 (Advanced) apprenticeship.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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