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- Work hands-on within the initial stage of leather creation and processing
- Requires an ability in science, especially chemistry, and the ability to work methodically and accurately
- Opportunities to set up your own research or consultancy business
Leather technologists prepare, treat and finish leather using chemical processes.
DAY-TO-DAY DUTIES
- Removing hair and tissue
- Cleaning tanning and preserving the hide using salt, chemicals and vegetable extracts
- Colouring and drying the leather
- Applying finishes to hide flaws and add waterproof coatings
Other roles might include:
- Supervising others
- Researching, testing and sampling chemicals, dyes and products in the laboratory
- Monitoring waste and by-products
- Writing up research and operational reports
- Checking the leather before it's sent to product manufacturers
DAY-TO-DAY ENVIRONMENT
You could be in an office, laboratory, factory or a workshop, and you'll most likely need protective clothing.
You'll need
This role will require knowledge of chemistry, thoroughness and attention to detail, initiative, thinking and reasoning skills, the ability to work well with others, excellent verbal communication, observation and recording skills, physical skills, and basic computer knowledge.
To get into this job role, you could do a foundation degree or degree in a subject like leather technology, fashion and design technology, or garment technology.
There are college courses in leather production that you could complete.
You could also do an advanced apprenticeship in fashion and textiles leather production, or a fashion and textiles product technologist higher apprenticeship.
CAREER PROSPECTS
With experience, you could move into related jobs like production manager, company chemist, buyer or technical salesperson. You could move into other jobs in quality control, research or technical management. You could also move into related areas such as buying, sales or marketing. You could set up your own research or consultancy business and work freelance for retail firms and leather companies.