Apprentice Leather Worker

Summary

Over the course of the 15-month apprenticeship, you will receive hands-on training and support from experienced leather workers, developing the knowledge and skills required to build a long-term career within the leather manufacturing industry.

Wage

£26,106 a year

Training course

Leather craftsperson (level 2)

Hours

Monday to Thursday: 07:30 – 16:00. Friday: 07:30 – 15:30.

39 hours 30 minutes a week

Start date

Friday 7 August 2026

Duration

1 year 3 months

Positions available

1

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

As an Apprentice Leather Worker, you will learn to:

• Assist with the processing and finishing of leather products.
• Operate machinery and equipment safely and efficiently.
• Prepare, handle and inspect leather throughout various production stages.
• Understand different leather types, finishes and tanning processes.
• Carry out quality checks and maintain high production standards.
• Follow all company health, safety and environmental procedures.
• Maintain a clean, organised and safe working environment.
• Work effectively as part of a team and communicate with colleagues and supervisors. 

Where you'll work

SHEEPSCAR TANNERY
121 SHEEPSCAR STREET NORTH
LEEDS
LS7 2BY

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

HUDDERSFIELD TEXTILE TRAINING LIMITED

Training course

Leather craftsperson (level 2)

What you'll learn

• Comply with personal responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and other safety legislation.
• Use equipment in accordance with safe operating procedures and manufacturers’ instructions.
• Dispose safely of waste and surplus materials.
• Identify the correct tools and equipment and use appropriately such as Moisture content testing meter, Thickness measurement gauge, Trimming knives & shears, Edge tools, Pricking iron, Skiving machine and Bench splitter.
• Carry out running maintenance within agreed schedules to ensure the efficiency of machinery, tools and equipment (i.e. settings and preparation of tools) to meet production expectations.
• Read and interpret data from specifications and appropriate work instructions.
• Follow instructions in order to meet customer and company requirements.
• Implement efficient and effective use of materials by closely following instructions and minimizing waste.
• Undertake processes to maintain consistent speed and quality requirements as outlined by the company.
• Communicate effectively with internal/external customers, colleagues and managers and work as part of a team.
• Effectively self-manage their time and work load to meet deadlines.
• Comply with personal responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and other safety legislation.
• Use equipment in accordance with safe operating procedures and manufacturers’ instructions.
• Dispose safely of waste and surplus materials.
• Identify the correct tools and equipment and use appropriately such as Moisture content testing meter, Thickness measurement gauge, Trimming knives & shears, Edge tools, Pricking iron, Skiving machine and Bench splitter.
• Carry out running maintenance within agreed schedules to ensure the efficiency of machinery, tools and equipment (i.e. settings and preparation of tools) to meet production expectations.
• Read and interpret data from specifications and appropriate work instructions.
• Follow instructions in order to meet customer and company requirements.
• Implement efficient and effective use of materials by closely following instructions and minimizing waste.
• Undertake processes to maintain consistent speed and quality requirements as outlined by the company.
• Communicate effectively with internal/external customers, colleagues and managers and work as part of a team.
• Effectively self-manage their time and work load to meet deadlines.

Training schedule

Training will take place at your place of work. 

More training information

Textile Centre of Excellence.

Requirements

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

• Communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Problem solving skills
• Logical
• Team working
• Creative
• Physical fitness

Other requirements

• Reliable, punctual and committed to learning.
• Hardworking and willing to develop practical skills.
• Interested in manufacturing, craftsmanship and working with natural materials.
• Able to follow instructions and work safely.
• Keen to work as part of a team.
• Positive, enthusiastic and eager to build a long-term career in the leather industry.