Leather craftworker

As a leather craftworker, you would:

• design clothing and coverings, and accessories like bags and wallets
•  use patterns to measure and cut pieces of leather
•  stitch pieces of leather together by hand or machine
•  stain, wax and polish products
•  check the quality of finished items

You might also repair items for clients, and market your business if self employed.

• the ability to work well with your hands
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• the ability to work well with others
• customer service skills
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly
• specialist courses run by professional bodies

With experience, you could:

• become a workshop supervisor
•  move into training future craftworkers
•  specialise in an area like pattern design, furniture restoration or quality control
•  set up your own business, selling items at craft fairs, trade events and online