Shoe repairers mend shoes and bags. Some also cut keys, replace watch straps and watch batteries and engrave items such as nameplates and pet tags.

The Work

You could be:

• replacing or repairing soles and heels using pincers and glue or staples
• using machines to cut keys and engrave items
• using equipment such as sewing machines, finishing machines and staple guns to work on leather items
• mending and possibly dyeing leather goods such as shoes, bags, belts or cases
• keeping records of customers handing in and collecting items
• selling shoe care products, bags and other items
• taking payments from customers
• maintaining equipment and servicing machinery.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:

• where you work
• the size of company or organisation you work for
• the demand for the job.

Starting pay is often based on the National Minimum Wage (NMW) or the National Living Wage (NLW).

As of 1 April 2025 the National Minimum Wage is £7.55 an hour for workers under 18, £10.00 an hour for workers aged 18 to 20. The National Living Wage for those aged 21 and over is £12.21 an hour.

Conditions

• You will work indoors in a large store, shop or small workshop.
• There will be fumes from the glue and adhesives.
• You will probably work daytime hours but might work some weekends.
• You might be able to work part time.
• You might have to wear protective overalls, which the employer will provide.

Useful Subjects

• Practical Craft Skills

Getting In

• You do not always need formal qualifications, but a good basic education is useful.
• You need numeracy skills to handle money.
• You must be able to deal with orders, receipts and invoices.
• You need a good eye for detail.

Job Outlook Scotland

Job Outlook Scotland and UK

What Does it Take?

You should be:

• good at working with your hands
• able to pay close attention to detail
• accurate and methodical in your work
• honest and polite
• good with customers
• able to work on your own and as part of a team
• aware of security matters when cutting keys
• able to follow health and safety procedures.

Training

Training is on the job.

Getting On

• If you work for a large chain of shoe repairers you might gain promotion to supervisor or to manager.
• Alternatively you might decide to specialise in repairing orthopaedic footwear, or become self-employed.

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