Footwear Apprentice
CHURCH & CO. (FOOTWEAR) LIMITED
Northampton (NN5 5JB)
Closes in 25 days (Friday 9 October 2026)
Posted on 10 September 2026
Contents
Summary
A one-year apprenticeship in footwear manufacturing. Incorporating course topic focussed days at Northampton College. Hands on training & Skill development in specific factory departments. Broader training given on all aspects of the shoemaking process. Off site visits to key industry suppliers and locations.
- Wage
-
£23,000 a year
- Training course
- Footwear manufacturer (level 2)
- Hours
-
7.30am - 4.30pm Monday to Thursday, 7.30am - 12.30pm on Fridays.
39 hours a week
- Start date
-
Sunday 1 November 2026
- Duration
-
1 year
- Positions available
-
1
Work
Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.
What you'll do at work
This is an exciting opportunity to become a skilled operative, working for a successful manufacturer of luxury footwear, which are sold all over the world. The apprenticeships will include a structured training programme covering all the departments within the organisation.
You will receive full training to use the machinery and learn how to make quality shoes from start to finish. During your training, you will also learn specialist skills in a specific production department. Suitable applicants will demonstrate the commitment and desire to become a skilled craftsperson.
Where you'll work
St James
Northampton
NN5 5JB
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
NORTHAMPTON COLLEGE
Training course
Footwear manufacturer (level 2)
Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)
What you'll learn
Course contents
- Read and interpret information. For example, specifications, manuals, production plans, handover notes.
- Organise own work.
- Follow health, safety, and environmental procedures in line with regulations, standards, and guidance.
- Apply sustainability principles. For example, minimise energy usage, minimise waste, and recycle materials.
- Follow operating procedures.
- Identify and check resources. For example, material and components.
- Select, check, and set up tools and equipment.
- Use and operate tools and equipment to conduct footwear manufacturing processes. For example, cutting, skiving, lasting, stitching, forming, attaching, and finishing.
- Apply footwear manufacturing processes.
- Store tools and equipment.
- Conduct in-process production quality checks.
- Follow post-production procedure. For example, label and package.
- Monitor own performance data.
- Collect and record information.
- Identify and segregate resources for reuse, recycling, and disposal.
- Follow basic maintenance procedures. For example, clean, oil, and lubricate machinery.
- Identify and resolve common faults and issues.
- Escalate issues.
- Apply continuous improvement techniques.
- Use information technology and digital systems. Comply with cyber security and GDPR.
- Apply team working principles.
- Communicate with others using footwear terminology. For example, colleagues, customers, and managers.
- Complete and record learning and development activities.
- Read and interpret information. For example, specifications, manuals, production plans, handover notes.
- Organise own work.
- Follow health, safety, and environmental procedures in line with regulations, standards, and guidance.
- Apply sustainability principles. For example, minimise energy usage, minimise waste, and recycle materials.
- Follow operating procedures.
- Identify and check resources. For example, material and components.
- Select, check, and set up tools and equipment.
- Use and operate tools and equipment to conduct footwear manufacturing processes. For example, cutting, skiving, lasting, stitching, forming, attaching, and finishing.
- Apply footwear manufacturing processes.
- Store tools and equipment.
- Conduct in-process production quality checks.
- Follow post-production procedure. For example, label and package.
- Monitor own performance data.
- Collect and record information.
- Identify and segregate resources for reuse, recycling, and disposal.
- Follow basic maintenance procedures. For example, clean, oil, and lubricate machinery.
- Identify and resolve common faults and issues.
- Escalate issues.
- Apply continuous improvement techniques.
- Use information technology and digital systems. Comply with cyber security and GDPR.
- Apply team working principles.
- Communicate with others using footwear terminology. For example, colleagues, customers, and managers.
- Complete and record learning and development activities.
Training schedule
- Footwear Manufacturer Level 2
- Full in-house and ongoing support and training
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
- English (grade 3)
- Maths (grade 3)
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Attention to detail
- Team working
- Good practical skills
- Good hand eye co-ordination
- Spatial awareness
- Creative flair
About this employer
Church & Co Ltd is a world-renowned manufacturer of high-quality luxury footwear and part of the Prada Group. We have great pride in our Northampton heritage and our team of artisans who craft Church’s products. It’s an exciting time at Church’s with a unique mix of classic and contemporary styles in our range. Fast moving and varied, we are a business focused on success.
After this apprenticeship
Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).
Potential for a full-time position once the apprenticeship is complete and progression within the company.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
NORTHAMPTON COLLEGE
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000052771.
Apply now
Closes in 25 days (Friday 9 October 2026)
After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.