Saddlery and Shoemaking
If you are interested in horses and horse riding, or working with leather and have artistic flair, then one of our saddlery or shoemaking courses is the ideal choice.
We offer historic and prestigious qualifications in saddlery and shoemaking with The Worshipful Company of Cordwainers’ Diploma in Saddle, Harness and Bridle Making, The Worshipful Company of Saddlers Certificates and the Access to HE Diploma in Shoemaking.
Our saddlery and leatherwork courses teach skills that are taught through practical demonstrations and hands-on workshops, helping to provide you with the skill set needed for working within the leather industries.
Our shoemaking course provides practical training in our cordwainers shoemaking workshop as well as our shoe design studio.
Our students enter the industry working for saddlery businesses and Master Saddlers whilst others take up apprenticeships to further their training. Skills learnt on our courses are transferable, and our students go on to work with a wide range of employers such as luxury leather goods makers, the British Army and fashion designers.
Find out more
The Worshipful Company of Cordwainers Diploma in Saddle, Harness and Bridle Making
Access to HE Diploma in Shoemaking
The Worshipful Company of Saddlers Certificates
Careers
Our saddlery and shoemaking courses provide numerous job opportunities including roles such as:- Costume maker
- Master Saddler
- Harness maker
- Footwear designer
- Leather technologist
- Shoe repairer
- Production manager
- Automotive upholsterer
Facilities
You will be taught in our leather workshop, located within historic Victorian stables.
Did you know?
Capel Manor College is the only college in Europe to run a full-time saddlery course.
The industry contributes around £700 million to the UK economy each year.
Leather production in the UK is a key component in the global leather industry due to its level of expertise.
Charlie's story
I really enjoyed the making aspect of the course. I learned so much and I gained the fundamental skills in leatherwork to kick-start my career.Charlie studied saddlery during his time at Capel Manor College
