LEATHER & FOOTWEAR
Overview
Leather has immense untapped potential for domestic economic development and international trade. Currently the Indian leather industry is among the top five of the largest foreign exchange earners in the country Leather and leather product exports consist of finished leather; leather footwear; footwear components; leather garments and leather goods. There has been a phenomenal increase in India's export of leather and leather products with the composition of leather exports changing drastically towards value-added products.
Leather is produced from skins and hides to make bags, shoes, gloves, clothes, upholstery and saddlery Today, leather production is mostly based on use of updated science and technology, especially chemistry There is also a high regard for environmental factors. Worldwide there is a huge demand for well-qualified leather technologists.
In footwear which constitutes 40% of the world leather trade, India has not even a 1% share but there is good potential for future growth. An initiative of National Leather Development programme, Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI) and Ascent, an NGO, has made the humble 'Kolhapuri' footwear a globe-trotter by introducing new designs and vibrant colours to suit the style and tastes of European markets. Already over 35,000 pairs have been exported and the global market for Indian footwear is expanding.
India's strength in the world leather market is due to its large resource base, a number of well-equipped training institutions working in close collaboration with reputed foreign institutions for imparting training in various facets of manufacture of leather and leather products and Indian traditional skills in embroidery, handcrafting, etc.
Nature of Work
Apart from being a significant foreign exchange earner, the leather industry has tremendous potential for employment generation. Almost 50% of the workforce consists of skilled and semiskilled workers.
Work in the leather and footwear industry is varied with workers involved in flaying, curing, carcass recovery, tanning and finishing, full shoe, shoe uppers, chappals and sandals, leather goods and garments.
Work Environment
There is a lot of technical work involved in the processing of leather, and the manufacture of value-added leather products. Much of the work takes place in factories and workshops which today are highly sophisticated. Tanning and finishing is organised along modern lines. A large proportion of the production is in the small-scale sector with traditional tools and traditional handicraft inputs which is evidence of India's capability to sustain a much larger industry.
Specialisations
Leather technologists are the professionals handling high-end work for the leather industry. They are involved in consulting and technical .supervision, etc.
Footwear designing looks to create the aesthetics and comfort that buyers of footwear crave for. Other areas of specialisation are in leather garment design & technology, processing of leather, footwear technology, footwear design & production, footwear technology management, etc.
Physical and Psychological Requirements
Those involved with technical functions require numerical ability, scientific aptitude, observation, accuracy, meticulous approach in addition to the skills required by all engineers.
Technologists should have a practical, responsible approach to their work
Technical support staff requires manual dexterity, attention to detail, mechanical aptitude and the ability to carry on routine tasks efficiently. They should be physically fit and possess stamina.
Designers should be creative, imaginative and possess the capacity to visualise an end production paper and other facets common to all designers. They must understand the market, consumer preferences, social and climatic and user trends plus get a perspective of international trends and tastes.
Study/Training
Training is available in leather technology, footwear design and manufacture, leather garment design technology and various support functions at the vocational level for all manner of personnel required for this industry. Designers of leather products, footwear, supervisors, managers and technologists are being trained in the country to handle all the functions needed to make a mark in the global market in leather and leather products.
Entry point for training depends upon the area of specialisation. For craft workers, training can start after class 10, while for technical degrees at least Plus Two/ equivalent with Science is usually required.
Employment Prospects
India has a unique position in the world as far as the raw material base is concerned, being ranked number one in world cattle population. Jobs are basically in designing and technical aspects. India has a good base for sophisticated training facilities and prospects in global trade have created encouraging employment prospects.
Private sector employment can be upward of Rs. 6,000 per month for those who are trained in reputed professional institutions. There are many who are employed in the salary bracket of Rs. 12,000 and Rs. 15,000 but there is no standardisation as there are many categories of training and employing organisations.
With the recognition of the Indian leather industry in international markets the prospects for growth are encouraging for those who have a progressive, learning attitude.
With many big names in leather and footwear manufacturers based in production and marketing in India, placement of professionals is assured. Big names in shoe trade are Bata, Adidas, Reebok, L & T, Thapars, Nike, etc. while major international buyers are sourcing shoes from India. Major production centres for leather and leather products are located at Chennai, Ambur, Ranipet, Vaniyambadi, Tiruchi, Dindigul in Tamil Nadu; Calcutta in West Bengal; Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh; Jalandhar in Punjab; Bangalore in Karnataka, Delhi, and Hyderabad.
Career Progression
Experience and formal qualifications provide guarantees of advancement. Most experienced professionals are involved in consulting and advisory work with major national and international companies and organisations. Many are also involved in research and development to augment India's strength in the world leather market.
International Outlook
UK
British School of Leather Technology, University College, Northampton, Bo Green Road, Northampton NN2 7AL; www.leathernet.com/bslt.
BLC Leather Technology Centre, Leather Trade House, King’s Park Road, Moulton Park, Northampton NN3 6JD; www.blcleathertech.com
USA
For information about the custom-made prescription shoe business, and about training opportunities in this field, contact:
Pedorthic Footwear Association, 9861 Broken Land Pkwy., Suite 255, Columbia, MD 21046-1151.
LIST OF TRAINING INSTITUTIONS
Place
Institutions
Courses offered
Eligibility criteria
Leather technology
Chennai
Alagappa college of technology,
Guindy,
Chennai 600025
Leather Technology 4 years duration BTech
MTech
Plus Two with science [physics, chemistry and mathematics]
TNPCEE is notified in January, test in April
Enquiries: secretary, TNPCEE, Anna university, Chennai 600025
Director of technical education, Sardar Patel road, Chennai 600025 BTech in related discipline
Chennai
Anna university
Guindy
Chennai 600025
Leather Technology Graduate Degree courses 4 years duration
MTech Leather Tech/ Footwear Science & Engg.
Plus Two with science [physics, chemistry and mathematics]
TNPCEE is notified in January, test in April
Enquiries: secretary, TNPCEE, Anna university, Chennai 600025
Director of technical education, Sardar Patel road, Chennai 600025 BTech in related discipline
Chennai
Bharath institute of science & technology,
173 agharam road
selaiyur P.O.
Chennai 600073
Phone: 22375742/7125
Leather Technology BTech. Leather Tech. 4 years
Plus Two with science [physics, chemistry and mathematics]
TNPCEE is notified in January, test in April
Enquiries: secretary, TNPCEE, Anna university, Chennai 600025
Director of technical education, Sardar Patel road, Chennai 600025 BTech in related discipline
Jalandhar
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar tegional engineering college,
P.O. REC,
Jalandhar 144011
[Jurisdiction: Punjab]
Leather Technology Graduate Degree courses 4 years duration.
BTech. Leather Tech.
Plus Two with Science [Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics]
Common entrance test (CET) is notified in January, test in May
Enquiries: CET Cell, Punjab Technical University, Jalandhar 144011
Kanpur
Harcourt butler technological
Institute,
Kanpur 208002
Leather Technology Graduate Degree courses 4 years duration.
BTech. Leather Tech.
Plus Two with Science [Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics]
Uttar Pradesh state engineering admission test (UPSEAT) notified in January, test in May.
Enquiries: coordinator, admission committee, Uttar Pradesh state engineering admission test (UPSEAT), Institute of Engineering & Technology, Sitapur Road, Lucknow- 226021
Kolkata
College of leather technology,
LB-Block, sector III,
Salt lake city,
Kolkata 700091
Leather Technology Graduate Degree courses 4 years duration.
BTech. Leather Tech.
Plus Two with science [Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics]
Joint Entrance Examination is Notified in November, test in April
Centres: 52 in west Bengal, and 1 in Delhi.
Enquiried: West Bengal Board of Examination for Admission to Engineering, Medical & Technological Degree Colleges, Slater Hall, (BE College campus), Howrah-711103
Muzaffarpur
Muzaffarpur institute of technology,
Muzaffarpur 842003
Phone: 261918
Leather Technology Graduate Degree courses 4 years duration.
BSc. Engg. Leather Tech (41/2 years).
Plus Two with science [physics, chemistry and mathematics]
Bihar combined entrance competitive Examination (BCECE) notification: April Test: July
Vaniyambadi
Priyadarshini engineering
College,
Anna salai,
Kinamedu,
Vaniyambadi 635751
Phone: (04174) 22688
Leather Technology Graduate Degree courses 4 years duration.
BTech. Leather Tech.
Plus Two with science [Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics]
Tamil Nadu Professional Courses Entrance examination (TNPCEE) is notified in January, test in April
Enquiries: Secretary, TNPCEE, Anna University, Chennai 600025 Director of Technical Education, Sardar Patel Road, Chennai-600025
Allied Courses
Agra
Central footwear training institute (Govt. of India, Min. of Industry),
Vikas sheel bharat compound,
Transport Nagar,
Agra 282002
Advance course in footwear technology
Certificate in design & product development - 12 months
Basic Design & Pattern Engineering - 8 weeks
Supervisor (Stitching) – 8 weeks
Operator (Bottom making & lasting) – 4 weeks
10+2 passed; desirable 1 year practical experience OR Graduate in any discipline/ Engineering Diploma/ Degree
Age: 18-25 years (relaxed for SC/ ST)
Selection: entrance test and interview.
Open to 8 pass above 17 years of age.
12 pass above 17 years of age.
12 pass above 17 years of age.
8 pass above 17 years of age.
8 pass above 17 years of age.
Chennai
Central footwear training institute
65/1 GST Road,
guindy,
Chennai 600032
Telefax: (044) 22336876
1-year full-time course in advanced footwear technology
2-year Diploma course in footwear design & production
10th examinations Age: 17-25years
Appeared\ Passed 12 or equivalent
Maximum age: 25 years (5 yrs relaxed for SC/ ST)
Chennai
Central leather research institute,
Adyar
Chennai 600020
Modular training programmes suited for services as master technicians, supervisory personnel and trainers
Certificate/ Diploma in Leather Goods is conducted at CLRI and Indian Institute of Leather Products, Chennai and Calcutta centre
Certificate/ Diploma in Leather Garments is conducted at CLRI and Indian Institute of Leather Products, Chennai and Jalandhar centre
Certificate/ Diploma in Leather Footwear is conducted at CLRI and Indian Institute of Leather Products, Chennai
Certificate/ Diploma in Leather Processing/PG Diploma in Leather Processing is conducted only at CLRI Chennai
(i) PG Diploma in Leather processing
Duration: 52 weeks
(ii) Diploma course in footwear
Duration: 52 weeks
(iii) Diploma courses in Leather Goods/ leather garments
Duration: 40 weeks
(iv) Certificate course in leather processing
Duration: 26 weeks
(v) Certificate courses in footwear/ leather goods/ leather Garments
Duration: 26 weeks
55% in BSc with chemistry as one of the subjects.
55% in plus Two/ equivalent
55% in plus Two/ equivalent
55% in SSLC/ equivalent
55% in SSLC/ equivalent
Entrance Test, interview and for candidates with work experience in leather industry, a trade test.
Max. Age: 30 years (relaxable in deserving cases)
Reservation for SC/ ST candidates as per Govt. of India norms women candidates will get preference.
Noida
Footwear design & development institute (Ministry of commerce, Govt of India),
A-10/A, sector 24,
Noida 201301
Phone: 91-4558016/ 6847/ 8018
Fax: 91-4553016, 4524439
E-mail: fddi@vsnl.com
18-month course
(i)Management in footwear technology (MFT)
(ii) Higher diploma in footwear technology (HDFT)
(iii) Diploma in footwear designing (DFD)
Notification: May entrance test: july admission is based on an entrance examination
BTech/ Postgraduation
Diploma in mechanical Engg or diploma in footwear technology/ graduate
BFA/ Graduates with inclination towards designing.
More Courses
Chennai
The national small industries Corporation Ltd.
(GOI Enterprise),
B-24 Guindy Industrial Estate,
Ekkaduthungal (P.O)
Chennai 600097
1-year Post Diploma in Footwear Technology
Degree/ diploma in engineering
Gandhinagar
NIFT
Plot E/4, GIDC Electronic Estate,
Gandhinagar 382044
Phone: 41851/54, 40774
Fax: 40772
Accessory Design
Duration: 3 years
Pus Two; admission test and interview.
Kolkata
NIFT
Plot No 3B, Block LA,
Sector III, Salt Lake City
Calcutta 700091
Phone: 23358872/ 5726/ 7332
Fax: 3585734
Leather Apparel Design & Technology (LADT)
Duration: 2 years
Graduates or those qualified from fashion/ Accessory design course at NIFT.
Admission test and interview.
New Delhi
National institute of fashion
Technology (NIFT),
Hauz Khas
New Delhi 110016
Phone: 26964771/ 5080/ 5059/5692
Fax: 26851359
Leather Apparel Design & Technology (LADT)
Duration: 2 years
Accessory Design
Duration: 3 years
Graduates or those qualified from fashion/ Accessory design course at NIFT.
Admission test and interview.
Plus Two; admission test and interview.
Listing is indicative
Note: Interested candidates are advised, in their own interests to pursue specific information like details of admission procedure, domiciliary restrictions, time for applications, duration of training/internship, etc., from the concerned institution directly or keep track of the notification in the national/local dailies and publications like Employment News/Rozgar/ Samachar.
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