The Leathersellers’ Foundation awards grants supporting six apprenticeships at three UK tanneries

The Leathersellers’ Foundation has committed to support six apprentices over two years at three tanneries as part of its Tannery Apprenticeships Programme.

The purpose of the programme is to support the leather industry by safeguarding the government backed apprenticeship pathway, the Skills England ‘Leather Craftsperson’ Level 2 qualification, and equivalent SVQ in Scotland, and strengthen provision of nationally important tanning skills.

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.

The Leathersellers’ Foundation encouraged applications through outreach in collaboration with the UK Fashion and Textile Association.

Natalia Rymaszewska, Head of Grants 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. A coordinated cohort will enable shared training and assessment; represent the tanning industry across different contexts including micro/specialist operations and established industry employers; and provide an opportunity for learning and advocacy for accredited training. We look forward to following the apprentices throughout their time in training.”

Kenny Crack, Managing Director of Charles F Stead said: “C F Stead are delighted to launch our first apprentice programme; we are grateful to the Leathersellers for their support. We aim to use this as a starting point to train and develop a new generation of leather technicians.”

Read more about Woodland Tannery’s first apprentice, supported by The Leathersellers’ Foundation’s Tannery Apprenticeship Programme.