Leather technologist

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship

University

You could do a degree in:

• leather technology
• fashion and design technology
• garment technology

You could also do a postgraduate course in leather technology at university. You'll need experience in the industry or a relevant first degree to apply.

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

College

You could do a Level 2 or Level 3 Diploma in Apparel, Footwear or Leather Production.

Entry requirements:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

Apprenticeship

You could do a leather craftsperson intermediate apprenticeship or a fashion and textiles product technologist higher apprenticeship.

Entry requirements:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• knowledge of chemistry including the safe use and disposal of chemicals
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with your hands
• knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to work well with others
• observation and recording skills
• physical skills like strength and coordination
• sensitivity and understanding
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• concentration skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to operate and control equipment
• knowledge of maths
• active listening skills
• the ability to analyse quality or performance
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• knowledge of public safety and security
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues

What you'll do:

Leather technologists prepare, treat and finish leather to make it ready for manufacturing.

In your day to day duties you could:

• remove hair and tissue to prepare the leather
• use salt, chemicals and natural extracts to clean, tan and preserve the hides
• colour and dry the leather
• apply finishes to hide flaws and add waterproof coatings
• research, test and sample chemicals and dye products in the laboratory
• monitor waste and by-products
• write up research and operational reports
• quality control the leather before it's sent to the manufacturers

Location : You could work in an office, in a laboratory, in a factory or in a workshop.
Uniform : You may need to wear protective clothing.

Salary:

Starter : £12,000
Experienced : £21,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

43 - 45 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends on shifts

Career Path:

With experience, you could move into related jobs like production manager, company chemist, buyer or technical salesperson.

You could move into other jobs in quality control, research or technical management. You could also move into related areas such as buying, sales or marketing.

You could set up your own research or consultancy business and work freelance for retail firms and leather companies.