Leather Technologist is a professional who works in a Leather manufacturing unit industry and help to synthesis, production and also refining of leather to make commercial goods like footwear, clothing, gloves, belts, wallets, luggage’s, bags and upholstery including automobiles and sports goods.
This is one of the good emerging professions in India and other countries as well. After completing its related courses, they can have different positions in various leather manufacturing companies.
Leather Technologist Eligibility
The minimum educational qualification for becoming a Leather Technologist is 12th class pass with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics followed by some Diploma or Degree program in Leather Technology.
Leather Technologist Required Skills
For becoming a Leather Technologist, one has to possess the following skills:-
- A prospective leather technologist should be apt and interested in science, especially chemistry.
- He must have good organizational and planning skills to work in a team in an effective manner.
- A leather technologist must have the ability to work methodically and accurately.
- Creativity for developing new ideas and solving problems.
- They should be accurate in carrying out tests and assessments; patience and persistence, as it can take months of trials to improve upon the existing things.
How to become Leather Technologist?
One has to follow below-given steps for becoming a Food Technologist-
Step 1
To become a food technologist you must have done your +2 in science stream with Chemistry as one of the main subjects. After passing the +2 class you can take admission in any of the following related courses:
- B.Tech. (Leather Technology)
- Diploma in Leather good and accessories design.
For joining B.Tech. course in Leather Technology in some of the reputed institutes the candidate may have to clear some entrance exams.
Step 2
After having passed their graduation one can opt for a job in some of the leading leather manufacturing units or go for further PG studies and join Masters Degrees. Master degree is necessary for having higher management positions. They can also have further research work after it. The following are some of the Master Degree courses Leather Technologists can take up after it.
Institutes offering Courses for Leather Technologist
- The Central Leather Research Institute - CLRI Chennai
- College of Leather Technology, Kolkata
- Harcourt Butler Technological Institute - HBTI Kanpur
- Government Leather Institute, Agra
- Footwear Design and Development Institute - FDDI
- Allagappa College of Engineering, Anna University Chennai
Leather Technologist Career Prospects
The leather is favourite not just for footwear or clothes and accessories but also for wallets, purses, luggage, bags and musical instruments etc. Besides most of the leather used in the world are processed in India. India’s leather industry is the fourth largest industry in the world producing more than 70 crore pairs of leather footwear in addition to other leather items. Knowing these facts one can understand the career prospects for a Leather Technologists in the leather industry.
- Leather Technologist can find employment in Footwear, leather garments and leather products industries.
- Leather Technologist with entrepreneur skills can start their own leather manufacturing unit across the domestic and international market.
- Leather Technologist can work as lecturers or in research at universities/institutes.
- They can also work as a consultant with leading leather manufacturing units.
Leather Technologist Job Description
- Leather technologist’s job description includes chemical processes used in the preparation, treatment and finishing in leather production.
- They ensure that finished products meet quality standards.
- Their job includes supervision of operatives on the factory floor with laboratory work, researching, testing and sampling the chemicals, dyes and products in use. Monitoring of waste and by-products is also important to ensure that they fall within safety limits. Technologists also undertake administrative duties, writing up research and operational reports for managers.
- Leather technologist ensures before dispatch that leather products are measured and graded according to customer requirements, for instance, softness, colour, thickness and finish.
Leather Technologist Salary
Leather Technologists who have professional qualifications from reputed institutes are easily absorbed by Leather producing companies, research laboratories and other related establishments etc. Their earnings vary as per their skills and educational level. A beginner in the industry can earn a salary ranging between Rs.20,000 to Rs.30,000 per month whereas those with relevant work experience in the industry can earn anywhere between Rs.50,000 to Rs.1,00,000 per month.
