Making footwear.
Sorted by achievement rate.
No training providers currently listed for this standard.
Learning takes place in a real footwear manufacturing environment, with the apprentice building competence in the knowledge, skills and behaviours the role requires while working alongside experienced colleagues. Before moving to final assessment, the apprentice must pass a readiness check, commonly called a gateway, which confirms they are prepared to demonstrate full occupational competence. Final assessment then verifies that they can perform the role to the required standard. Assessment models for many standards are being updated as part of current reforms, so check the standard's gov.uk page for the current specification before committing to a programme.
Building a record of workplace activity from the start of the apprenticeship makes final assessment considerably easier. Learners should keep notes, photographs and other evidence of tasks completed on the production floor rather than trying to reconstruct evidence at the end. Regular conversations with both the employer and training provider help identify any gaps in knowledge or practice early, so they can be addressed before the gateway. Staying organised throughout the programme reduces pressure as assessment approaches.
There are no nationally mandated academic qualifications required to start. Employers set their own entry criteria, but most look for basic literacy and numeracy, a practical mindset, and the ability to follow instructions accurately. Candidates must be employed in a footwear manufacturing role for the duration of the apprenticeship. If you are unsure whether a candidate meets your criteria, speak directly with a training provider listed on this page.
The typical duration is around 15 months, though the actual length depends on the apprentice's prior experience and progress. The apprentice remains employed throughout, learning on the job while also completing off-the-job training with a provider. Exact off-the-job training requirements are subject to government apprenticeship funding rules, which are currently under review. Check the current specification on the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education website for up-to-date requirements.
Before the end-point assessment, the apprentice must pass through a gateway, where the employer, training provider, and apprentice agree that the required knowledge and competence have been demonstrated. Assessment models for many standards are being updated under current reforms, so the specific end-point assessment method may change. Always check the live specification on gov.uk for the current assessment arrangements before enrolling.
The funding band for this standard is £8,000, which is the maximum that can be drawn from the apprenticeship levy or co-investment arrangement. Larger employers with a levy account use those funds directly. Smaller employers co-invest with the government, typically paying a small percentage of training costs. Employers with fewer than 50 staff who take on an apprentice aged 16 to 18 pay nothing, with the government covering the full training cost.
An apprentice in this role works on the production of footwear, which can include cutting, lasting, stitching, assembling, finishing, or quality checking depending on the employer's specialism and production process. They follow health and safety procedures, maintain quality standards at each stage of their work, and operate as part of a production team. The specific tasks vary by employer, whether that is a large factory or a smaller specialist workshop.
Completing this apprenticeship gives a recognised occupational qualification at Level 2 and demonstrates competence in footwear production. From there, individuals can progress into more skilled production roles, supervisory positions, or specialist areas such as pattern cutting or bespoke shoemaking, depending on the employer. Some choose to pursue further apprenticeships or vocational qualifications at a higher level in manufacturing, design, or craft disciplines to broaden their options.
Tell us a bit about your team and we'll send a shortlist.
Tell us your requirements and we'll match you with the right training providers.
Curated by Alex Lockey, FATP founder and editor. Last reviewed: .
Sources include the apprenticeship's official specification on apprenticeships.gov.uk, Skills England guidance, IfATE archive records, DWP funding bands, and provider data sourced directly from the public Apprenticeship Provider and Assessment Register (APAR). Standard reference: 289.
Some sections on this page were drafted with AI assistance from published source data and reviewed by a human editor before publication. See our editorial methodology for how we maintain this content. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.