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Shoe Repairer

Do you want to become a Shoe Repairer? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:

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Shoe repairers repair footwear by replacing worn soles, heels, broken buckles, zips and eyelets and repairing loose stitching. They may also repair other items like briefcases and handbags. They:

• greet customers, decide on the best techniques and materials to repair the footwear and tell the customer how much it will cost
• use a range of specialist tools including pincers, nail guns, hammers and sewing machines
• maintain and service their equipment
• take payments, sell items like shoe laces, and insoles, keep records of repairs and sales and order stock.

Some shoe repairers also offer key cutting and locksmith services, change watch batteries and straps and engrave items like pet tags, name plates and trophies.

Most shoe repairers work around 40 hours a week, which usually includes Saturdays and may also include evening and Sunday work. Part-time work may be available. Shoe repairers may be based in High Street shops or in units in department stores, large supermarkets, shopping malls and indoor markets. They may stand for much of the day. Conditions can be noisy and dusty. Protective clothing is usually worn.

Salaries for shoe repairers may range from around £8,300 to £17,000.

A shoe repairer should:

• be good at working with their hands
• be able to work methodically, accurately and quickly
• pay attention to detail.

There are around 7,000 shoe repairers in the UK. They may work in small businesses with very few staff or for large national chains. There are opportunities throughout the UK, mostly in towns and cities.

There are no minimum qualifications for this work, but candidates should be able to deal with money and measurements. Some employers ask applicants to take an aptitude test, focusing on practical ability, English and maths. It is possible to train for this career through an Apprenticeship.

Most training is done on the job, but some larger companies send trainees to national or regional training centres. NVQs in Footwear Repair are available at Levels 2 and 3, but there are no equivalent SVQs. Experienced shoe repairers working for large chains may receive management and leadership training.

Promotion opportunities are limited in small businesses, but larger employers may promote experienced shoe repairers to store manager. There may also be opportunities to become an area manager or to work in head office. Some experienced shoe repairers set up their own businesses.

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