Preparer, shoe uppers

Shoemakers and related workers make, alter and repair standard, made-to-measure or orthopaedic footwear and articles of natural or synthetic leather such as luggage, handbags and belts (except leather garments, hats and gloves), or participate in the production of footwear and related products.

• making, altering and repairing standard footwear to meet individual requirements;
• making, altering and repairing orthopaedic or therapeutic footwear according to medical prescriptions, and modifying existing footwear for people with foot problems and special needs;
• repairing belts, luggage, handbags, wallets and similar articles;
• taking plaster casts of deformed feet or legs and preparing diagrams and drawings;
• making custom insoles and foot pads from casts taken;
• reading drawings and other specifications to make footwear according to customers' requirements;
• studying orders and/or footwear parts to obtain information on workload, specifications and types of materials to be used;
• checking the quality, colour and durability of leather to ensure the appropriate choice for each case;
• cutting, shaping and lining parts for making leather goods;
• sewing up torn and split seams and patching holes to repair handbags, belts, shoes and luggage;
• removing and inspecting shoes, shoe parts and models to ensure conformity with specifications, such as correct stitch placement;
• attaching decorative accessories and ornaments;
• making and repairing articles such as saddlery and harness goods, travel bags and handbags, luggage, belts and other articles.
• Examples of occupations in this unit group:
• Master, footwear
• Maker, footwear (by hand)
• Shoemaker
• Saddler