Leatherworking and Upholstery

Overview of Leatherworking and Upholstery as a College Program

Leatherworking and upholstery programs are taught as trade or technical programs, and are usually coordinated by these departments at colleges and universities. The hands-on nature of the program allows students to combine a classroom learning experience with actual training in the area of leatherworking and upholstery.

Leatherworking and Upholstery Curriculum

Leatherworking and upholstery degrees teach students the concepts that are required to create various objects with leather and certain fabrics. The curriculum may vary depending on the institution coordinating the program, but many of the courses are the same. Some of the courses taught in a leatherworking and upholstery degree program include:

• Safety
• Pattern making
• Work regulations
• Tools and maintenance
• Materials
• Design
• Personnel management
• Computer technology
• Job estimation
• Business administration

Education Levels Available for a Leatherworking and Upholstery Degree

Leatherworking and upholstery degrees are available at various levels of the educational system depending on the amount of specialization a student intends to accomplish. Degrees in leatherworking and upholstery are available at the Certificate, Associate's, and Bachelor's degree level.

The Certificate program requires a one-year commitment while the Associate's degree requires two years to finish. A Bachelor's degree in leatherworking and upholstery takes about four years to complete.

Skills Developed through a Leatherworking and Upholstery Degree Program

A leatherworking and upholstery degree teaches students many different skills. Many of these skills are specific to the field of leatherworking and upholstery, but others are useful outside of your career and in your personal life. Some of the skills that a leatherworking and upholstery degree teaches are:

• Ability to use tools to create various forms of apparel and furniture
• Ability to manage employees and motivate them to work to their full potential
• Physical fitness and the ability to work with your hands
• Keen eye for design and aesthetic principles that lead to appealing creations
• Providing estimates for jobs based on the hours required and materials needed for a job
• Communication techniques to speak to customers and superiors

Where to Obtain a Leatherworking and Upholstery Degree

Leatherworking and upholstery degrees are offered through many different institutions and programs. They can be earned at community colleges as Associate's degrees. Most leatherworking and upholstery degrees, however, are obtained through vocational schools and technical colleges as Certificates or Associate's degrees. There are a number of apprenticeship programs available as well, where the student works in the field and learns through experience and the teaching gained through an expert. Leatherworking and upholstery degrees can be obtained online. An online degree is extremely convenient for students who plan to work while getting an education or desire a flexible schedule for other reasons.

Career Opportunities for Leatherworking and Upholstery Majors

Students who complete a leatherworking and upholstery degree program have a number of career options available. Graduates of a leatherworking and upholstery program can find employment as upholsters, patternmakers, machine setters, and managers depending on their experience and education. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, upholsters earn $13.94 per hour on average while patternmakers can expect an $18.15 wage.

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