Footwear manufacturing operative

In this job you could:

• cut leather or fabric pieces from a pattern, for the 'upper' section
•  stitch and sew together individual sections to complete the upper
•  mould uppers into their final shape on a wooden or metal mould called a 'last'
•  attach soles with adhesives or by stitching
•  trim heels to shape
•  stain soles, heels and edges before waxing and buffing
•  polish the boot or shoe and add laces or other finishings
•  inspect for quality and package up

• the ability to work well with your hands
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• observation and recording skills
• the ability to operate and control equipment
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to analyse quality or performance
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

You could move into supervisory management, machinery maintenance or quality control. With further training, you could take up a career in footwear design or as a footwear technologist.

You could also specialise in custom-made footwear, like luxury bespoke shoes, orthopaedic footwear, or historical and theatrical costume footwear.