How to become a Leather Goods Maker

Leather Goods Maker

Leather goods makers make and repair leather articles such as handbags, wallets, gloves, belts, harnesses and saddlery (horse riding equipment). Leather goods makers may specialise in saddlery, harnesses and horse blankets, footwear, hats, whips, clothing, upholstery or special leather goods.

Personal requirements for a Leather Goods Maker

  • Enjoy practical and manual activities
  • Good hand-eye coordination
  • Able to perform detailed work

Education & Training for a Leather Goods Maker

You can work as a leather goods maker without formal qualifications. You will probably get some informal training on the job.You can also become a leather goods maker through an apprenticeship or traineeship. Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.


Duties & Tasks of a Leather Goods Maker

Leather goods makers:

  • Select suitable types and grades of leather
  • Draw patterns
  • Cut leather to size and shape using special cutting machines called 'clicking' and 'skiving' machines
  • Join pieces together with rivets, threads or adhesives
  • Sew by hand using needles
  • Fill saddles and collars with hair or flock (stuffing)
  • Attach buckles, eyelets and metal decorations, and emboss decorative patterns
  • Finish products with stain, dye, polish or coats of lacquer
  • Repair damaged goods.

Tasks

  • Restores and repairs leather articles.
  • Makes and grades patterns using manual and computerised methods.
  • Designs patterns and prototypes of boots and shoes.
  • Clicks synthetics, corrected grains, leather linings and leather outers by hand and machine.
  • Cuts and prepares leather to design specifications, patterns and drawings.
  • Alters and repairs footwear.
  • Joins parts of leather articles using rivets, hand sewing, sewing machines, tools and adhesive.

Employment Opportunities for a Leather Goods Maker

Leather goods makers are employed by leather companies, saddle makers, pastoral companies and craft workshops.


Specializations

Leather Goods Maker

Leather goods makers make and repair leather articles such as handbags, wallets, gloves, belts, harnesses and saddlery (horse riding equipment). Leather goods makers may specialise in saddlery, harnesses and horse blankets, footwear, hats, whips, clothing, upholstery or special leather goods.

  • Average age
    Average age
    50 years
  • Future Growth
    Future Growth
    Decline
  • Gender Share
    Gender Share
    31% female
  • Average full-time
    Average full-time
    46 hours
  • Weekly Pay
    Weekly Pay
    Unavailable
  • Skill level rating
    Skill level rating
    Medium skill
  • Unemployment
    Unemployment
    Lower unemployment
  • Full-Time Share
    Full-Time Share
    65% Full-Time
  • Employment Size
    Employment Size
    480 workers
  • Employment Size
    Employment by state
    ACT: 0.0%
    NSW: 33.5%
    NT: 1.2%
    QLD: 27.8%
    SA: 5.5%
    TAS: 3.3%
    VIC: 24.1%
    WA: 4.5%
  • Employment Size
    Age brackets
    15-19: 2.5%
    20-24: 4.6%
    25-34: 12.6%
    35-44: 17.3%
    45-54: 25.1%
    55-59: 13.7%
    60-64: 11.8%
    65 and Over: 12.4%
  • Employment Size
    Education level
    Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 8.7%
    Bachelor degree: 7.3%
    Certificate III/IV: 34.9%
    Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 0.7%
    Year 10 and below: 23.3%
    Year 11: 4.8%
    Year 12: 20.3%
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