Footwear Manufacturing Operative

Footwear manufacturing operatives make all kinds of footwear, including shoes, boots, trainers and safety wear. A decline in mass production in the UK has resulted in a greater number of operatives working for small, high-quality producers. They may also be involved in shoe repair.

Operatives may be responsible for one or more of the following processes:

• clicking - cutting and trimming the leather or fabric for the uppers (the main body of the shoe)
• closing - sewing and treating the leather or fabric
• lasting and making - moulding the uppers into shape and adding insoles, soles and heels
• finishing, 'shoeroom' and packing - finishing the sole edges, heels and uppers, for example by trimming, staining, polishing or buffing, adding laces and tags, checking finished products for quality and packing them ready for sale.

Operatives use various machines and hand tools, which they maintain to keep them clean, sharp and in good condition. It is usual to work in a small, supervised team.

Most footwear manufacturing operatives work between 37 and 40 hours a week, from Monday to Friday. Protective equipment is provided for certain tasks.

Salaries range from around £12,000 a year for new operatives to £25,000 a year or more for the most experienced operatives.

Footwear manufacturing operatives should be:

• good at working with their hands
• able to understand written and spoken instructions and follow diagrams
• able to work quickly and accurately
• comfortable using hand tools and technology, including machinery and computers
• interested in fashion, design and manufacturing.

Although the industry has decreased in size in recent years, there is high demand for skilled operatives in handcrafted footwear. Most jobs are in Northamptonshire and other opportunities are mainly in London, Lancashire, and Leicestershire.

There are no specific academic qualifications required for entry. Applicants may be asked to demonstrate their ability to work with their hands. They may also have to pass an eye test and a medical examination. Experience in a related industry or job is advantageous.

Most of the training is carried out on the job, under the supervision of an experienced colleague, or by a training provider. Employers may provide the opportunity to work towards NVQs in footwear manufacture and other relevant qualifications.

Promotion may be possible to a supervisory or training role, or into a related area such as maintenance engineering, production management or footwear design. Experienced operatives may choose to move into other types of manufacturing.

Further details