The leather industry plays a vital role in India’s manufacturing economy. With over 4 million workers employed across formal and informal units, it is one of the top 10 foreign exchange earners for the country. India is the second-largest producer of footwear and leather garments, with strong demand from international markets like the USA, UK, Germany, and Italy.
The sector includes various sub-segments such as tanning, footwear, leather goods, leather garments, and saddlery, with the highest concentration in states like Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Maharashtra, and Punjab. Industrial clusters such as Kanpur, Agra, Ranipet, Chennai, and Kolkata are major hubs for both production and employment.
With a consistent push from the Indian government under the Make in India campaign, the Footwear and Leather Development Programme (FLDP) is expected to boost job creation. Moreover, domestic demand for fashion and utility-based leather goods is rising, creating new job opportunities at all skill levels from entry-level operators to supervisors and merchandisers.
Job Roles
The leather industry offers a wide range of jobs across different departments and production stages. These roles are both technical and semi-technical, catering to people with varied educational backgrounds and experience levels.
Some key job roles include:
- Cutting Operator – Prepares the leather material for stitching by cutting according to patterns.
- Stitching Operator – Works on industrial sewing machines to assemble footwear or garments.
- Finishing Technician – Applies final treatments like polishing, drying, and quality coating.
- Pattern Maker – Designs templates for cutting parts of shoes, bags, and garments.
- Clicking Supervisor – Manages workers in the cutting section, ensures leather is used efficiently.
- Quality Checker – Inspects final products to meet export or domestic standards.
- Packing Assistant – Handles safe and secure packing of finished goods.
- Leather Goods Assembler – Joins different parts of bags, wallets, belts, etc.
Footwear manufacturing units, garment factories, and accessory workshops are the main employers of these professionals. Export houses and domestic brands frequently hire skilled manpower for seasonal and full-time jobs.
Skills Required in Footwear and Leather Goods and Garments
Key Technical Skills:
- Understanding of different leather grades and textures
- Ability to operate sewing, cutting, skiving, and finishing machines
- Knowledge of pattern making and component matching
- Awareness of quality control procedures
- Familiarity with footwear sizing and design specifications
- Manual dexterity and attention to detail
Soft Skills:
- Discipline and time management
- Ability to follow instructions and production targets
- Teamwork in assembly line settings
- Respect for safety guidelines and cleanliness standards
Workers in footwear units are expected to handle various materials like synthetic leather, PU, or genuine hides. Garment and leather goods makers often work on premium products, so precision and consistency are essential.
Many job seekers come from semi-rural backgrounds, often with minimal formal education. However, if trained properly through skill programs or factory experience, they can quickly grow into multi-skilled workers capable of handling multiple processes.
Skill Development Programme in Leather Processing
To address skill shortages and improve employability, the Leather Sector Skill Council (LSSC) runs structured training programs under the Skill India Mission. These programs are designed for freshers, upskilling workers, and women returning to the workforce.
The training modules include:
- Basic training in leather cutting, stitching, skiving, and finishing
- Introduction to machine safety and maintenance
- Awareness about quality control and production planning
- Practical training with hands-on equipment used in factories
- Exposure to export documentation and workplace discipline
Training centers are operational in key leather clusters, often in collaboration with private partners or state missions. These include centers in Kanpur, Agra, Ambur, Chennai, and Kolkata, supported by industries that offer placement after successful completion.
By completing certified programs like:
- Sewing Machine Operator – Footwear
- Cutter – Upper
- Skiver – Footwear
- Finishing Operator
Candidates become eligible for structured employment in leather export houses, MSMEs, and branded factories.
Training Structure and Placement
Training programs in the leather sector typically follow this structure:
- Duration: Ranges from 200–600 hours (1–3 months)
- Eligibility: Basic education (5th to 10th pass), aged 18 and above
- Mode: Classroom learning + practical factory exposure
- Assessment: Conducted by LSSC and certified partners
- Certification: National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF) aligned
Some programs also offer stipends, free tool kits, and on-the-job training in live industrial environments.
After certification, placement support is offered by training partners and organizations like SkillsFill, who help connect job-ready candidates with:
- Leather factories in Delhi NCR, Kanpur, Ranipet, Ambur, and Kolkata
- Large employers like Bata, Mirza, Liberty, Superhouse, and Red Chief
- Export houses dealing in leather bags, wallets, belts, and jackets
80% of certified candidates find employment within 30–60 days, especially during peak production cycles before international shipments.
Message to Leather Job Seekers
If you’re looking for a stable, hands-on career with growth opportunities, the leather industry offers the right platform. Whether you come from a village or city, you can build your future with the right skills and attitude.
Here’s what you should remember:
- Start small, learn fast: Even helper roles can lead to promotions if you show reliability.
- Get trained through LSSC programs: These not only increase your skills but also your salary prospects.
- Use platforms like SkillsFill: You can find training centers, job alerts, and apply directly to factories.
- Be consistent and careful: The industry values workers who are disciplined and detail-oriented.
There is no shortcut to success, but with the leather industry growing both locally and globally, the demand for skilled manpower is real and rising.
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