Shoe manufacturing worker and repair worker
くつせいぞうこう・しゅうりこう
Industry & Occupation
Classification
Summary
Occupation that uses materials such as leather and cloth to manufacture and repair shoes. Handles processes such as design, pattern making, cutting, sewing, sole attachment, and finishing.
Description
Shoe manufacturing workers and repairers manufacture shoes from scratch according to customer requests or designs, or perform resoling, heel replacement, repairs, and reconditioning on damaged shoes. The main manufacturing processes include pattern making, cutting, sewing (hand sewing or machine operation), forming on lasts (wooden molds), bonding or sole attachment, polishing, and finishing. For repairs, soles and heels are replaced, stitches are repaired, cleaning and polishing are applied to restore functionality and aesthetics. Precise manual work and operation of tools and machines are required, accommodating a wide range of needs from high-end custom-made shoes to repairs of everyday footwear.
Future Outlook
Demand for shoe repairs is stable, but the market for high-end shoe manufacturing and custom orders as handicrafts is expanding, making the succession of artisans' skills and training of young talent a challenge.
Personality Traits
Customer-oriented / Dexterous with hands and good at detailed work / Has a sense of beauty / Meticulous / Patient
Work Style
Contract employee / Part-time / Repair service / Self-employed freelancer / Workshop employment
Career Path
Assistant → Shoe manufacturing worker → Senior shoemaker → Master shoemaker → Workshop owner
Required Skills
Finishing polishing technique / Leather cutting technique / Sewing technique / Shoe last design / Sole material bonding technique
Recommended Skills
Communication skills (business) / English (procurement and document reading) / Leather processing / Pattern CAD
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Because fine adjustments in sewing and finishing directly impact quality. |
| Physical Stamina & Endurance | Standing work and sustained manual labor are common, requiring physical stamina. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Numerical & Quantitative Analysis | There is quantity management and simple measurement, but advanced mathematical analysis is not required. |
Related Qualifications
- Leather Product Manufacturing Technician Grade 1
- Leather Product Manufacturing Technician Grade 2
Aliases
- Shoe repair worker
- Shoemaker
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