CAREER PROFILE CLOTHING ALTERATION HAND - Skillset

Leather technologists
supervise and manage
the process of the
conversion of raw hides
and skins into leather
used to make a variety of
products, including shoes,
accessories and upholstery.
What does a leather
technologist do
A leather technologist’s work is
both scientific and technical. They
may be involved in the process of
turning the raw animal hides and
skins into leather. Technologists
will also be involved in the scientific
side of leather production, including
developing the appropriate dyes
and finishes and experimenting
with new techniques.
The salary of a leather
technologist
The starting salary for a leather
technologist may be around £14,000
a year. This would increase to around
£20,000 a year with experience. At
senior level, a leather technologist
could earn over £30,000 a year.
Hours and working environment
Leather technologists employed in a
tannery would work around 40 hours
a week. Shift work may be involved
and overtime and part-time hours
may be available.
Some technologists work in a tannery
environment, which can be dirty
and smelly. They may have a small
laboratory attached to the tannery
where they can perform experiments.
Other technologists work in a factory
environment or workshop.
Skills and interests
To have a career as a leather
technologist, it may be useful to
have some of the following skills
and interests:
* to be good at science, particularly
chemistry and have good
numeracy and IT skills
*
*
*
to be able to plan projects and
communicate ideas effectively
to be able to manage and
supervise others and work
as part of a team
have some knowledge of
mechanics and engineering
Entry into a career in
leather technology
A wide range of qualifications are
available in the field of leather
technology and entry into a job in
this area is possible in a variety of
different ways. Apprenticeship and
NVQs in footwear and leather goods
offer a route in, however the main
qualifications for leather technology
are awarded by the British School of
Leather Technology at the University
of Northampton.
Further training to develop a
career in leather technology
Continued professional development
is very important in this area and
there are a number of professional
courses available, which will help an
experienced technologist progress
their career.
The British School of Leather
Technology at the University of
Northampton, The Society of Dyers
and Colourists (SDC) and The BLC
Leather Technology Centre all offer
a wide range of training courses for
the leather industry.
Opportunities in the field
of leather technology
It may be possible to move from
work as a leather technologist to
other jobs in production, quality
control, research or technical
management. Technologists can
also move into related areas such
as buying, sales or marketing. There
are good opportunities for leather
technologists to work abroad or set
up their own consultancy business.
Case study
Amanda Michel is a
leather technologist
for her own company,
Leather Wise Ltd, offering
problem solving and
training services to the
leather supply chain.
Amanda is involved with
virtually every aspect of
the leather business from
the animal on the farm,
through each stage of the
leather making process,
onto product design and
manufacture. Amanda
says “My core business is
to do with helping people
with problems they may
have with their leather. For
example, if someone has
bought a leather sofa and
the colour is coming off, I
can run a series of tests such
as rub fastness or looking
at it under a microscope.
This will determine whether
the customer is entitled to
a replacement or their
money back.”
Amanda has acted as an
expert witness for trading
standards and is also an
information resource for
all aspects of the leather
supply chain. She has
articles regularly published
in the trade press. Amanda
adds “I really enjoy my job
as every day is different
and each day brings a
new challenge!”
For more information visit
www.skillfast-uk.org/generationf