Six new leather manufacturing apprentices for the UK
Philanthropic institution The Leathersellers’ Foundation has committed to support six apprentices over two years at three tanneries in the UK.
The foundation, which the Leathersellers’ Company, one of the ancient livery companies of the City of London, established in 1979, said the new apprenticeships will support the leather industry. The programme will follow a government-backed apprenticeship pathway and help safeguard leather manufacturing skills in the UK.
Two tanneries based in England, Charles F Stead and Blenkinsop, will follow the Skills England ‘Leather Craftsperson’ route. Woodland Tannery based in Scotland will follow a Scottish apprenticeship route. Apprentices are due to begin training in 2026.
Head of grants, Natalia Rymaszewska, said: “The grants, totalling £72,000 over the two-year period, provide an essential contribution towards our goal of providing opportunity and support for the leather industry.”
She added that a cohort of six people will enable shared training and assessment.
