Also known as: Shoemaker
Occupation Description
Footwear producers make all kinds of footwear including shoes, boots and sandals using a variety of hand and machine tools. They may perform a variety of tasks depending on their area of specialisation…
Personal Requirements
You should
Environment
Footwear producers are most likely to work in factories for major footwear producers however some may work in their own small business or at home. Some choose to start their own business, some of which operate on a mobile basis. Business success in footwear, like all enterprises, depends as much on sales skills and customer service as on craft skills, and therefore some business skills training might be of benefit. There can also be considerable costs involved.
Training
You can sometimes work as a footwear worker without undertaking any formal training or qualifications however some employers will prefer that you do. A common entry level into the footwear industry is at Certificate II in Footwear Production where you might work as a machinist or operator, and progressing to Certificate III Footwear Production as a footwear tradesperson or leading hand.
With a Certificate III in Footwear Production you can work as a junior patternmaker and as a senior patternmaker with Certificate IV in Custom Made Footwear.
Of course you can work at even higher levels within this sector, and with further training and experience you can continue to progress along a career pathway that could see you in senior management positions.
Certificate II in Footwear Production (Intermediate)
Certificate II in Footwear Production (Complex or Multiple Processes)
Certificate III in Footwear Production
Certificate IV in Custom Made Footwear
Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Technology
Earnings, Job and Employment Prospects
For detailed information about earnings, job and employment prospects for this occupation, go to the Australian JobSearch Careers page and click on Job Outlook .
Printed Resources
The INFOSHEET PDFs provide information about the Manufacturing Industry and its various sectors and occupations. To view and print these documents click RESOURCES (you will need to have Adobe Reader ® installed).
Where Can I Go From This Job?
To find out more about potential Manufacturing career possibilities click PATHWAYS.
