How to become a 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
50
Future Growth
N/A
Gender Share
37% female
Average full-time
45 hours
Weekly Pay
N/A
Skill level rating
Medium skill
Unemployment
Lower unemployment
Full-Time Share
59%
Employment Size
480
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%
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%
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%
