CAREER PROFILE CLOTHING ALTERATION HAND - Skillset

Footwear manufacturing
operatives use a range
of handcraft tools and
semi-automated equipment
to create footwear
products. They may
produce many different
types of footwear from
fashion shoes to trainers
and safety footwear.
What does a footwear
manufacturing operative do
A footwear manufacturing operative
will usually be involved in each
stage of the production process.
This includes cutting the leather,
stitching the pattern pieces together
and moulding the shoe into shape.
They would also be involved in
creating a ‘last,’ which is the mould
that the shoe will be formed around.
They would use the last to stitch the
pattern pieces together in the correct
shape, before fitting soles and heels
to the finished product. The shoe
would then be stained, polished
and buffed and the lasts removed.
The salary of a footwear
manufacturing operative
A footwear manufacturing operative
can expect to earn between
£12,000 and £14,000 a year when
starting out. With experience, this
may increase to between £15,000
and £22,000 a year. Those with
considerable experience and more
responsibilities could earn around
£25,000 a year.
Hours and working environment
Footwear manufacturing operatives
normally work between 37 and 40
hours a week. The work may be split
into shifts.
The work is usually factory-based
and an operative will usually spend
much of the day on their feet.
Skills and interests
To become a footwear manufacturing
operative, some of the following skills
and interests would be useful:
* practical skills in tool handling
and using machinery
*
*
*
the ability to follow instructions
quickly and accurately
the ability to work alone or
as part of a team
an awareness of health
and safety issues
Entry into a career in footwear
manufacturing
There are no formal entry
requirements to become a footwear
manufacturing operative, but
good practical skills are essential.
Employers may set a practical
test at the interview stage.
It may also be useful to gain a
relevant qualification and many
companies offer work-based learning
such as apprenticeships or NVQs.
Further training to develop a
career in footwear manufacture
On-the-job training is very important
and skills can be developed by
working alongside more experienced
colleagues. Training is likely to
include production methods,
machine operations and health
and safety.
A footwear manufacturing operative
may be able to move into the related
careers of production management,
footwear design or retail buying.
Some universities offer qualifications
relevant to such a career move,
for more information on university
courses, visit the UCAS website:
www.ucas.com
Opportunities in the field of
footwear manufacture
There may be opportunities for
footwear manufacturing operatives
with the right skills and experience
to progress into supervisory
roles within the company, such
as management, engineering
maintenance and quality control.
It may also be possible to specialise
in custom-made footwear, such as
luxury bespoke shoes, orthopaedic
shoes or specialist historical and
theatrical costume footwear.
Case study
David Preedy works
for Loake Shoemakers,
as part of the
manufacturing process
where he is a back
part moulder. He has
worked for the company
for thirty two years.
David started without any
formal training in shoe
making and has learnt his
skills on-the-job from other
experienced colleagues.
David’s job means he
moulds the heel part of the
shoe by using a specialist
machine, that uses both
heat and freezer moulds
to make the shape. The
uppers are then transferred
to the Muller room where
the leather is softened
so it doesn’t crack when
it goes to be lasted. “You
need to be conscientious
and be prepared to do
a good job. Team work
and communication skills
are essential.”
David has spent most of his
working life doing back part
moulding although he has
worked in other areas of the
factory. He also has the role
of a Union representative
and has a keen interest in
skills development. David
adds “I enjoy the work here
and ensuring the product
made well but the best part
is the people I work with.”
For more information visit
www.skillfast-uk.org/generationf