Leather Technology

Leather Technology is a branch of engineering which deals with synthesis, production and refining of leather so that it can be put into efficient use. Synthesis of artificial leather is used to make commercial goods. It is comparatively a new branch which is gaining importance in industrial sector.

Leather Technology Courses in recent times have emerged as a lucrative career option. Until a few years ago, those who happened to be in the industry were there through experience rather than through any formal training. Indian institutes offer certificate as well as diploma courses in designing and production, adding a much needed professionalism to this industry. The Indian Leather industry is the fourth largest export earner in the country and it is growing by leaps and bounds.

Key to Success

To be successful in marketing and selling you should have/ develop:

Creative
Out of box thinking
Dedication
Efficiency
Stylish

Scope and Opportunities

Designing

Designing in leather industry basically involves creating and developing new and latest patterns. To do so, the focus is on current market trends. To make the job of a designer easier computer aided designing (CAD) technology is increasingly used. A course in CAD will be of immeasurable use to a designer.

Manufacturing

Production of mass leather items that include shoes, garments, and accessories is manufacturer’s job. The Production Manager supervises the production of flow systems and ensure the manufacturing process, once broken into a number of operations, will operate smoothly without any hitches. It is imperative that production professionals have to be adequately trained to understand and handle all modern state-of-the-art equipment effectively.

Marketing

One should have co-ordination between factories and ready buyers for the products in domestic and international markets. Major leather goods and footwear production house mainly handle independently or in association with the media and advertising companies.

Tanning

The manufacture of downstream products like garments or goods and shoes etc is labour intensive, involving a lot of handiwork and craftsmanship with mechanized support whenever necessary.

Jobs ranging from designing footwear and accessories like belts, bags, purses and caps to toys, upholstery, baggage, musical instruments, garment tags, gift items, etc are umpteen in various export houses. Leather technologists can get employed in chemical and engineering industries those having tie up with the manufacturing of items such as bags, suitcases, upholstery, footballs and cricket balls, car and aircraft seats, hydraulic seals, gaskets, etc.

Lifestyle & Social Status

Ready to tolerate the smell of rawhide and uncured animal skins.
Its Indoor job
Well Known Personalities in Leather Technology: D. Roychoudhury

Job Profile

Candidates who have completed courses in leather technology can get employed in following job profiles.

Research and Quality control: Leather technologist ensures that a proper research and quality control is at its place when testing and analysis is done in the lab and for that chemical, dye stuffs and small scale apparatus are used.
Leather Technologist: A leather technologist supervises production line workers working at a manufacturing unit. To ensure the water resistance capacity before the leather is processed completely is another job. Leather technologist examines and uses various chemicals in the processing of leather and supervises the processing as per specifications. Processing of skin and hide so that leather can be given a shape, treatment of skin, assessment of the thickness, softness, texture, colour, etc. is done by the leather technologist.
Marketing and Sales professional – Leather product companies require professionals who have some knowledge of production or quality management in leather accessories in the marketing team as they can be the most suitable person to deal with potential customers or clients. Additionally, a leather technologist working in marketing and sales department can have an effective communication with the production department with accurate specifications and requirements or demand.
Consultants
Supervisor
Production Managers
Area Manager
Technical designers
Stylist designers

Skill Set

Patience
Self confidence
Excellent designing skills

Work Value

Uniqueness
Take responsibility
Hard work
Challenging
Passion
perseverance

Current Job Scenario

Employment in various leather companies both local and abroad. Since this is a skilled job, experienced professionals can work in technical as well as management field with attractive remuneration.

The most common job profiles in this field can be found in leather extracting and refining firms which use both natural and artificial leather to make various goods. It includes shoe making industries, garment industries etc. A lot of young talents are choosing this field as their career realizing the benefits one can achieve there.

Top Recruiters

A V Thomas Leather and Allied Products Limited
Bhartiya International Limited
Chemcrown Exports Limited
Leather Crafts (India) P Ltd

Career Synopsis

Course Options	Diploma in Leather Technology	B.Tech in Leather technology
Academic Eligibility	10+2 any stream	10+2
Fees	Rs. 25k to Rs. 40K per annum	Rs. 70k to Rs. 80K per annum
Expenditure in Metro and Tier-1	Rs. 2 lakhs to Rs. 2.5 lakhs	Rs. 2 lakhs to Rs. 2.5 lakhs
Expenditure in Tier-2	Rs. 1.75 lakhs to Rs. 2 lakhs	Rs. 1.75 lakhs to Rs. 2 lakhs
Duration	3 Years	4 year
Mode	Regular	Regular
Approved	AICTE	AICTE
Affiliation	Karnatak University,	Respective University
Affiliation	West Bengal University of Technology, Uttar Pradesh Board of Technical Education
Entrance Exam	N/A
Specialisations
Education Loan
Scholarships