Footwear Production Apprenticeship Dr Martens

Love footwear? Passionate about making things? On the Dr Martens 12 month footwear apprenticeship programme you'll learn about footwear production from start to finish, as well as the unique Dr. Martens manufacturing process. You'll get comprehensive on-the-job and college training and a qualification.

This apprenticeship requires you to apply through the employer's website.

Apply now

Closing date: 30 Apr 2023

Apprenticeship summary

  • Annual wage

    £21,132.00

    Bonus potential, welcome to the family free pair of docs, 65% discount, 2 x volunteer/charity days, 5% matched pension, 4 x salary life assurance (pension scheme members), private medical cover

  • Working week

    Monday to Thursday 07:00 - 16:00, Friday 07:00 - 12:00.

    Total hours per week: 39.0

  • Expected duration

    12 Months

  • Possible start date

    04 Sep 2023

  • Date posted

    07 Feb 2023

  • Apprenticeship level

    Intermediate
    Level 2 (GCSE)

  • Reference number

    VAC1000123505

  • Positions

    4 available

What will the apprentice be doing?

Footwear manufacturing is a highly skilled and respected trade. As an apprentice you will be working alongside the production team at our Made in England Factory, Wollaston, Northamptonshire, where our iconic 1460 boot was born. You will learn the footwear production process from start to finish, daily activities will include:

  • Clicking: operating cutting presses to specified quality standards, minimising wastage of skins and using innovative leather scanning and digital cutting technology.
  • Closing: creating Dr. Martens uppers using a variety of sewing machines and other specialist machinery.
  • Lasting: shaping the shoe around a last and attaching the sole to our famous yellow stitched welt.
  • Shoe room: adding the final touches - lacing, cleaning, and boxing ready for dispatch.

What training will the apprentice take and what qualification will the apprentice get at the end?

The apprenticeship runs for 12 months in our Made in England factory. You will learn everything to do with Dr. Martens footwear manufacturing as well as other aspects such as the tanning process, sizing, other footwear constructions and health and safety.

We are closely connected with Northampton College, where you will study and learn throughout the year, as well as with other companies in the footwear industry around Northamptonshire.

Your study programme will require you to attend Northampton College for one day per week.

Following successful completion of your apprenticeship, you’ll receive a government accredited qualification in Footwear Manufacturing - Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship in Footwear - and be offered a full-time position within the factory specialising in one of the following areas: 

  • Clicking
  • Closing
  • Lasting
  • Shoe Room

What is the expected career progression after this apprenticeship?

Graduate apprentices are guaranteed a full-time position in the factory where you will develop and hone your craft while continuing to learn new skills alongside past apprentices. Some of our graduate apprentices have moved into office positions such as Factory Administration, Sourcing Administration and Product Development.

Requirements and prospects

Desired skills and personal qualities

Team working, Creative, Initiative, Non judgemental, Patience, Eye for detail, Good communicator, Problem solving

Qualifications

GCSE or equivalent Maths and English (Grade 4 or above) Essential

Things to consider

Our apprentices are brand ambassadors, involved in the running of the Dr Martens Apprenticeship Instagram account: drmartens_apprenticeship.

About the employer

Dr. Martens have always stood with those who dare to be different. We have the respect of big-name fashion giants – think Rick Owens and Comme des Garcons – enabling us to engage in exciting partnerships season after season. We want to mean something to everyone who laces up our boots: from the first timers to the Docs veterans. We need ambitious, passionate people – with rebel fire in their hearts.

Employer

Dr Martens

Address

Cobbs Lane

Wollaston

Nr Wellingborough

NN29 7SW

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Training

Training provider

NORTHAMPTON COLLEGE

Apprenticeship standard

Footwear manufacturer

Level 2 (GCSE)

Employer's Application Instructions

First register your interest. We'll then let you know when applications go live on 31 March 2023. There's a short application form and we'll need your CV. If you are successful, you'll be sent an assessment date. The assessment will last about 90 mins and will include four factory related tasks and a short interview. It's all very informal, as much for you as for us. You may be asked back for a longer second interview. We then make our final selection and send out offers, to start in September.

This apprenticeship requires you to apply through the employer's website.

Apply now

Closing date: 30 Apr 2023