Scope of Leather Technology, Courses, Jobs & Salary

• Indian leather industry is one of the largest export industries in the world. Leather has become one of the parts of the accessories, and it has huge demand for fashion, sports and comfort. 
• Footwear industry majorly captures the market along with other leather accessories like belts, luggage and bags, jackets, gloves, purses and caps to toys, upholstery, baggage, musical instruments, garment tags, gift items etc.Along with fashion, leather is also recognized for its properties as a natural product like strength, comfort and durability.
• Leather Technology is a branch of engineering. The study of leather technology deals with the combination, production and refining of leather so that it can be used effectively. It also deals with the combination of artificial leather so that it also can be used to make commercial goods. 
   

Following are the education information for Leather Technology which would help a student to study further.

•    For 4 years B.E./B.Tech. course, the candidate need to pass their 10+2 examination in science stream with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. 
•    2 years M.Tech programme in leather technology can be done after completing the graduation. 
•    There are various institutes which offers Diploma and Certificate course in Leather Technology also. The Diploma or Certificate courses improve the chances of getting better job and enhance one’s skills also.   
•    Subjects that are taught under bachelor courses are Analytical chemistry of pre-tanning materials, applications of biochemistry and biotechnology, leather processing, Computer aided engineering graphics and leather product designing and development, using software.
There are several graduate and postgraduate courses available for an interested candidate who wants to pursue a career in Leather Technology. They are as follows:
•    B.Tech Leather Technology
•    Bachelor of Design (B.Des.) Leather Design
•    Diploma in Leather Goods and Accessories Design (DLGAD)
•    Diploma in Footwear Designing and Production
•    Certificate Course in Shoe Designing and Pattern Cutting
•    Computer Aided Shoe Designing
•    Shoe Production

Some of the Institutions for studying Leather Technology are as follows:
•    Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI)
•    The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT)
•    Government Leather Institute at Agra
 

There are huge employment opportunities available in the leather industry in India and abroad.
•    To make a career in Leather Technology and to flourish, one needs to create and develop new and up-to-date patterns while keeping in mind the latest fashion trends. 
•    With experience and good academic track record, a person can be at a managerial position in leather firms, export houses or any government organizations.  
•    Industries like footwear, leather garments, and leather products are the major sectors of employment. 
•    To become a designer, one needs to excel themselves in pattern making, cutting, designing, etc. and become a technical designer or a stylist designer. 
•    One can also get job in leather garment production houses and boutiques too. 
•    An experienced leather technologist can get job opportunities in leather and other similar industries in production, quality control, research management and buying, sales or marketing.
•    Teaching is another area for the one who has done leather technology. They can work as lectures in universities or institutes. 

Some job opportunities in government sector are as follows:
•    Indian Leather Industry Foundation (ILIFO)
•    Council for Leather Exports (CLE)
•    Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI)
•    Indian Shoe Federation (ISF)
•    Indian Finished Leather Manufacturers and Exporters Association (IFLMEA)
•    All India Skin Hide Tanners Merchants Association (AISHTMA)
•    Central Footwear Training Institute (CFTI)
 

There are few skills that are required to become a Leather Technologist. They are as follows:

•    The person must be committed, dedicated and hard working towards his work. 
•    He must be creative, innovative and must have his own unique style of thinking. 
•    He must be able to work as a team or individually, depending upon the situation.
•    Person, who is in the marketing sector, must be aware of the changing trends in the market. 
 

• There are few institutes where Leather Technology can be done through Distance learning. They are as follows:
• D.E. - Diploma In Leather Technology From Neptune Institute of Management Technologythrough Distance Education Mode
   

• Leather industry has a bright career in opportunities in technical and designing areas. Designers are working with footwear companies as technical designers or stylist designers.
• They get employed in leather garment production houses or boutiques. After few years of experience, one can set up his/her own production unit. Leather technologists get job opportunities in chemical and engineering industries which involved in the manufacturing of items such as bag, suitcases, foo
  • Candidates who want to pursue a course in Leather Technology need to seek admission in 4-year B.Tech/BE courses. 
  • To be eligible for the course, they must clear 10+2 examination or equivalent in Science stream with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics as main subjects. They need to qualify IIT JEE  for admission into IITs or AIEEE  for admission into NITs and other government as well as private institutes. 
  • Apart from that, there are also various state level entrance examinations which are held for admission to colleges on respective states.
  • After completing their B.E/B.Tech course, the candidate can either look for job offers in the industry or pursue higher studies. They can pursue 2 years M.Tech. programmes in leather technology. 
  • There are several Diploma and Certificate courses available for the students. 
     

  These days Leather Technology has become a lucrative career option. The job responsibilities of a Leather Technologist are as follows:
  •    Leather Technologists tries to develop the actual dyes and finishes and experiment with new techniques.
  •    They test the various product samples by using specialist machines and chemicals.
  •    They need to write report, advising management and make changes to the processes.
  •    They may have to work on odd hours.
  •    A Leather Technologist has to be good in designing, manufacturing and marketing. 
   

  The salary structure of a leather technologist depends upon the candidate’s educational qualifications, experience, area of employment, companies, type of design they do and the institutions etc. 

  •    The salary of a Leather Technologist depends upon the candidate’s skills. A candidate fresh from the college can get a starting salary of Rs. 10,000/- per month.  The salary structure depends upon the candidate’s qualification and the size of the organization he works in. 
  •    Freelancers and self-employed, the salary are not fixed. 
  •    Candidates working in multi-national get an attractive pay package.