{"schemaVersion":"1.0","exportedAt":"2026-05-15T12:39:47.987Z","occupation":{"soc":"51-6041.00","title":"Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers","group":"Production","sector":"31-33","jobZone":2,"jobZoneInferred":false},"framework":{"version":"v.26.05","description":"","contextCovered":"This framework covers hands-on leather cutting, construction, finishing, and repair work performed in retail repair shops, small manufacturing settings, and custom leather-goods studios, progressing from supervised entry-level tasks to shop leadership and business operations.","levels":{"emerging":{"label":"Emerging","statements":["Basic hand tools such as knives, shears, and awls — identify and handle under direct supervision in a repair shop setting.","Simple leather cuts — execute by following pre-drawn patterns or outlines using scissors or manual knives on straightforward materials.","Leather dyeing and staining supplies — apply basic coats to small surface areas under step-by-step guidance from an experienced worker.","Sewing machine and needle-and-thread — perform straight stitching on flat leather pieces following a supervisor's demonstration in a production environment.","Glue and clamps — apply adhesive to join two material edges under close oversight during routine shoe or accessory repair tasks.","Defects such as torn seams or cracked leather — recognize and flag by visual inspection before passing articles to a senior worker.","Metal rings, buckles, and fastening hardware — insert into pre-punched holes under direct instruction on basic leather goods.","Polishing and buffing compounds — use on finished leather surfaces following standard shop protocols to achieve a basic sheen.","Customer repair orders — read and interpret with supervisor assistance to understand the scope of a straightforward repair task.","Safety procedures for cutting equipment and adhesives — follow consistently in a shop environment to maintain a hazard-free workspace."]},"developing":{"label":"Developing","statements":["Leather and fabric parts — cut accurately from patterns using knives, shears, or machine presses with minimal oversight in a production shop.","Multiple finishing techniques including dyeing, staining, stamping, and buffing — apply in sequence to achieve specified decorative effects on standard leather goods.","Sewing machines and hand-stitching — operate routinely to construct or repair items such as belts, purses, and luggage according to customer specifications.","Worn or damaged components on shoes, saddles, and bags — remove using hand tools and replace with correctly sized parts in a repair workflow.","Gluing and stitching alignment — execute consistently to join leather, fleece, fabric, or wood components within tolerance on familiar product types.","Holes, slots, and punch marks — drill or punch at correct spacing and attach buckles, handles, and metal rings on standard leather accessories.","Incoming articles — inspect systematically for defects and document findings using shop intake procedures before beginning repair work.","Point-of-sale and inventory management software — use to record completed jobs, track materials used, and process customer transactions in a retail repair setting.","Repair priorities and timelines — communicate clearly to customers and co-workers by applying active listening and straightforward verbal explanations.","Engraving and embossing tools — operate to produce repeatable decorative patterns on leather goods following established shop templates."]},"proficient":{"label":"Proficient","statements":["Complex leather products including saddles, trunks, and custom footwear — construct or fully recondition autonomously according to detailed client specifications in a full-service shop.","Non-routine surface treatments such as multi-tone dye blending, hand-painting, and antiquing — execute to achieve custom decorative outcomes on high-value leather goods.","Irregular or worn articles with hidden structural damage — inspect thoroughly, diagnose root-cause defects, and develop a repair plan without supervisory input.","Machine-press and hand-cutting techniques — select and apply to complex pattern layouts on varied materials, minimizing waste and maintaining dimensional accuracy.","Mixed-material assembly involving leather, wood, metal hardware, and synthetic components — align and secure using the most appropriate combination of stitching, gluing, riveting, and clamping.","Hardware installation on non-standard configurations — problem-solve drilling angles, hole sizing, and fastener selection to ensure durability on custom or antique items.","Inventory management and spreadsheet software — maintain accurate stock levels, forecast material needs, and flag reorder points based on job-volume trends.","Unusual or vintage repair challenges — apply inductive and deductive reasoning to identify period-appropriate materials and techniques that restore function and appearance.","Quality standards for finished goods — evaluate completed work against specifications, identify deviations, and make corrective adjustments before release to the customer.","Junior workers — guide through task-specific feedback during daily repair and production activities, reinforcing attention to detail and safe tool use."]},"advanced":{"label":"Advanced","statements":["Shop-wide production and repair workflows — design and optimize to maximize throughput, reduce material waste, and maintain consistent quality across all product lines.","Comprehensive competency standards for leather craft and repair — establish and document to serve as the shop's authoritative reference for training new and developing workers.","Emerging materials, adhesives, and finishing technologies — evaluate and integrate into shop practice, driving innovation in product quality and service offerings.","Custom and specialty leatherwork projects for high-profile clients — lead end-to-end, from concept and pattern development through final finishing and quality sign-off.","Apprentice and mid-level workers — mentor through structured on-the-job coaching, modeling advanced hand skills, machine operation, and professional problem-solving.","Business operations including accounting software, POS systems, and inventory platforms — oversee to ensure accurate financial tracking, efficient stock management, and profitable pricing.","Quality assurance protocols for incoming materials and outgoing finished goods — author and enforce, reducing defect rates and protecting the shop's reputation.","Customer relationships for complex, high-value, or repeat accounts — manage by applying expert communication skills to translate client needs into precise technical specifications.","Safety standards and ergonomic best practices for cutting, stitching, and chemical-handling tasks — review and update periodically, ensuring full compliance across all workstations.","Strategic direction for service mix, specialty offerings, and market positioning — set by analyzing production capabilities, local demand, and industry trends in leather goods repair and manufacturing."]}}},"sources":{"onet":"v30.2 (CC BY 4.0)","crosswalk":"https://skillscrosswalk.com","generator":"LER.me"},"attribution":"© EBSCOed"}