Occupation Description

Footwear producers make all kinds of footwear including shoes, boots and sandals using a variety of hand and machine tools and they may perform a variety of tasks depending on their area of specialisation. Pattern Makers design and cut a heavy paper pattern for a sample model shoe by hand or computer. Once the sample model has been approved fro production, multiple copies of the pattern are made to produce a range of shoes in different sizes and colours.

Personal Requirements

You should

Environment

Footwear producers, including patternmakers, are most likely to work in factories for major footwear producers.

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 IV in Footwear Production you can work as a junior patternmaker and as a senior patternmaker with Certificate IV in Footwear Production.

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 IV in Custom Made Footwear
Diploma of Textiles, Clothing and Footwear

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.