If you wish to make a career out of your liking for leather designing, here’s how you can build a career in it…
There was a time in history when leather was considered an untouchable product. Sometimes, I can’t help but wonder the way it has become a part of modern accessories today.
The leather industry in India has witnessed a steady growth in exports over the years. Being fourth largest in the world, the industry not only offers attractive products to consumers in India but around the world. Afterall, women love leather bags and men, wallets and shoes. If you wish to make a career out of your liking for leather designing, here’s how you can build it…
Eligibility
To pursue a career in this field, chemistry is important at the intermediate level. A background in chemistry is beneficial for the candidates as later on they have to deal in chemicals in the processing of leather and leather products.
Graduation
You could go for a B.Tech in Leather Technology or a Diploma in Footwear Designing. Choose your course wisely as not many institutes offer courses related to leather technology.
Post Graduation
Candidates who possess a Bachelor’s or Master’s in Leather Technology are eligible for good jobs in prestigious leather firms, export houses or government organizations. Those with a Diploma in Management in Footwear Technology (MFT) or Footwear Designing (DFD) also have attractive openings at executive level in the industry.
Institutes like the Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI) offer certificate and diploma courses in Leather Technology. The course offered by National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) is a two-year postgraduate diploma course in Leather Garment Design and Technology which is open for any graduate with 50% marks.
Scope
The leather industry is expected to boom with bright career opportunities in both technical and designing areas. Indian corporates along with foreign multinationals in this industry have made it possible to look forward to exciting employment options. As a career option, you could take up either designing or may get into production field depending upon the interest and aptitude.
In the production field, on getting the required qualification one can start working with leather manufacturing companies. You could also set up a leather manufacturing business. The candidates after successful completion of the course can find excellent placements in garment, leather and jewelry industry as merchandising executives, fashion designers, illustrators, fashion coordinators.
Pros and Cons
P- The career offers attractive growth prospects. You could also switch from one department to another.
C- The only negative aspect of the career is that dealing with the raw material can be a daunting task.
Leather industry, until recently, entertained experienced professionals as there were no academic or research institutes in leather technology. However, times have changed. The demand for experts in this field in on a rise. The Indian leather industry is growing at fast pace and can accommodate any number of professionals as we are a leading exporter of leather and leather products.
