Introduction

Leather is a natural, three dimensional non-woven fabrics, which are not easily or completely duplicated in other material. The utility of leather is attributed to its specific properties as a natural product like strength, comfort, durability and breathability. Leather yields an exceptional fullness and soft handle while providing high temperature and ultraviolet resistance.

Leather trade has become increasingly global and the Indian leather industry is an important player in the international scenario. Leather processing has brought about a revolution with the art of wear fashion. Starting from footwear, today leather is used to make bags, trunks, suitcases, gloves, belts, sports and industrial products including luxury items. Indian leather industry with various advantages including rich raw material base, cheap labor and trained professionals is poised for a leap forward. The Leather Industry is one of the fastest growing industries in India. It is one of the largest foreign exchange earners in the country.

 

Nature of Work

The demand of the leather goods is on the rise and is expected to grow further. With more and more multinationals coming to India, this industry is poised to become a hi-tech industry. Leatherwear constitutes a variety of products ranging from footwear and accessories like belts, bags, purses and caps to toys, upholstery, baggage, musical instruments, garment tags, gift items etc. The largest sub-section of this industry is still footwear, despite growing competition from the materials like synthetics and fabric.
 
At present, most of the people in this industry are not trained but now with this industry advancing and developing both technologically and professionally, it calls for qualified professionals to cater to the needs and requirements of the people. Thinking of this industry as a career option, one can either take up designing or may get into the technical side that is production, depending upon the interest and aptitude. Both the options are rewarding. As far as designing is concerned, worldover, designers have started using leather as an important part of their designer wear and accessories, which has made leather amongst the top apparel material. The other option being production is also not a bad proposition. On attaining requisite qualifications in the field of production, one can start working with leather manufactuing companies and tanneries. On gaining experience setting up self owned production unit can also be given a thought. The initiative can be advantageous a! s it is a low cost-intensive small scale unit, requiring relatively small investment, cheap labour, raw material and minimal power supply.
 

Skill & Interest

Leather industry as such, does not ask for very special attributes but just like any other industry, to be a high achiever, commitment, dedication and hard work are the key, the same goes true for this industry. If one happens to be in the production line. The work can be quite tiring, especially while working in the tanneries and production houses, often involving a lot of physical hard work and strain.
 
Designing successfully, on the other hand is more of a combination of mental ability and artistic finesse. Creativity with uniqueness can do wonders for designers. So being creative and original is of utmost importance. They should combine well their mental ability to constantly think and come up with new ideas, with dexterity so as to give shape to their ideas.

 

Job Outlook

There are bright future prospects for leather technologists in industry as well as in research areas such as safe effluent disposal and reuse, application of Biotechnology for both improving quality of leather and in waste management.

The leather industry is set to boom with bright career opportunities in both technical and designing areas. The Indian corporates along with foreign multinationals in this industry have made it possible to look forward to exciting employment options. Earlier Indian exports included only raw materials, but now leather goods are fast catching up with increasing acceptance in the international markets. This has enhanced opportunities for designers.
 
Designers are found to be working with footwear companies as technical designers and stylist designers. While Technical designers train themselves in pattern making, cutting, designing, Stylist designers are responsible for updating the product in fashion and style. Designers are also employed by leather garment production houses and boutiques. Established designers also hire young designers to work under them.
 
On gaining sufficient experience, one can also set up his own unit for production and marketing of leather based products. As far as career growth and progression is concerned it is purely performance based and there is no limit to what one can achieve.