Walsall Leather Skills Centre

Foundation Leather Working Course – Autumn Weekdays

Our course attract students from a wide range of backgrounds, ages and career stages - to spend time learning the foundational skills of leatherwork.

From those at the beginning of a leather working journey, to building practical skills alongside other studies, exploring a future side business, or a complete career change - if you've a desire to learn traditional leather working skills - all are welcome.

❔️ 18 - 25 years old? Bursary support currently available

There are only a handful of places remaining on our weekday block course..

📌 5 day blocks - 25 days in total
🪡 One week per month
📅 Between August and December (starting 17 August).

Carefully designed sessions build confidence, accuracy and understanding across a wide range of traditional leather working techniques.

For full course dates and details, please visit the Foundation Course section of the website.

If you have been considering starting your leather working journey, now is the time ...

✨ Intermediate Harness ✨

Looking to add to your skill set?

Our Intermediate Harness Course is in two-parts, designed to build the skills needed – working with structure, strength and precision across multiple layers.

🗓 Week 1: 24 August
🗓 Week 2: 5 October

Designed for those who have ideally completed Intermediate Bridle, the course covers Short Tugs, Dock, Breeching Seat and Hip Straps.

Across the programme, you will:
• Develop advanced pattern cutting techniques
• Build complex harness components
• Refine stitching across multiple layers

With expert guidance from Catrien Coppens, you will gain the confidence and technical ability to progress your work and prepare for the Level 2 Skills Test.

💼 Bursary support may be available.

Places are limited – please visit the website to apply.

Spend time focusing on the tools behind your craft...

Our Tool Sharpening and Maintenance Course on the 30th June or 24th July is designed to help any leatherworker get more from the tools they already own – improving accuracy, consistency and overall finish in your work.

With expert guidance, learn how to sharpen, adjust and maintain tools so they perform reliably every time you pick them up.

A practical day with lasting impact on your work.

Places are limited – visit the website to book your place.

Foundation Leather Working Courses – Autumn Weekday Places

Our Foundation Leather Working Course attract students from a wide range of backgrounds, ages and career stages.

Whether at the beginning of a leather working journey, building practical skills alongside other studies, exploring a future side business, or a complete career change - if you've a desire to learn traditional leather working skills - all are welcome.

❔️ 18 - 25 years old? Bursary support currently available

There are only a handful of places remaining on our weekday block course..

📌 5 day blocks - 25 days in total
🪡 One week per month
📅 Between August and December (starting 17 August).

The course is carefully designed to build confidence, accuracy and understanding across a wide range of traditional leather working techniques.

For full course dates and details, please visit the Foundation Course section of the website.

If you have been considering starting your leather working journey, now is the time ...

We are thrilled bursaries are available to help students build their leather skills ...

"This bursary gives me the opportunity to keep developing these heritage skills, build a future in the craft I love, and continue a tradition of hand craftsmanship that I deeply respect." Tsun Hin Tang.

Tsun brings extensive equestrian equipment maintenance experience from the Hong Kong Jockey Club and recently won third prize at the 2026 National Saddlery Competition. His bursary will fund his City & Guilds Level 2 and Level 3 training at the centre covering intermediate and advanced courses in bridle, saddle and harness making.

Do you need some extra skills training to make that successful transition into craft employment or self employment?

There are less than two weeks left to apply for one of Heritage Crafts training bursaries of up to £4,000 for new and early-career heritage crafts trainees who require financial support to gain the hands-on skills they need.
Saddlers Company & Saddlers Hall

🐴 Bridle Fit For The Bench Saddler

As understanding of equine comfort and bridle fit continues to develop, bench saddlers are increasingly being asked not only how to make adjustments, but why those adjustments are needed.

Designed for trainee and intermediate bench saddlers, Bridle Fit for the Bench Saddler explores the relationship between equine anatomy, bridle design and practical bench work. The course helps develop a broader understanding of how different components of the bridle influence comfort, function and performance.

Through a combination of hands-on learning and workshop-based discussion, participants will build confidence in identifying common issues, making informed adjustments and understanding the wider fit picture.

For those looking to strengthen both their practical skills and underpinning knowledge, this course provides valuable insight into an increasingly important area of modern saddlery.

Find out more on our website.

👞 Pattern Principles For Shoemaking

Every shoe starts with a pattern.

Before leather is selected, cut or stitched, the pattern determines how each component will fit together, creating the foundation for comfort, balance, structure and appearance.

Our two-day Pattern Principles for Shoemaking course introduces the fundamental principles behind transforming the shape of a last into accurate working pattern pieces. Designed as a practical introduction, the course with Dominic Casey helps students understand the relationship between design, form and construction, providing valuable insight into the thinking behind traditional shoemaking.

Whether you are completely new to footwear or looking to broaden your leatherworking knowledge, this course offers a structured and accessible starting point into the world of shoemaking.

Places are limited. Visit our website to find out more.

Unexpectedly we have two last minute places available on the Cartridge Style Bag Making course - 9 & 10 June ...

Over two days - mark out, cut, burnish, stitch mark, stitch, punch and polish leather - to make your very own bag.

Tuesday 9 and Wednesday 10 June
Walsall Leather Skill Centre
Tutor - Jo Heard of J.H. Leather
Cost - £200 plus materials
Intermediate level

It's always amazing the individuality crafted into each bag made over the two days.

Our Cartridge Style Shoulder Bag course is designed for leatherworkers with some previous leatherworking experience, who would like to understand the true process behind a professional bag build. Over two days, Jo Heard J.H. Leather will guide you step by step from start to finish.

You’ll leave with a unique bag and a whole new appreciation for the craft.

To find out more, visit the Leather Craft & Bag Making section of our website.

There is something fascinating about a handmade shoe.
Not just how it looks, but how it is created.

Traditional shoemaking combines design, engineering, material knowledge and highly skilled hand craftsmanship. Every line, curve and measurement has a purpose. From balance and structure, through to comfort and finish, precision sits behind every stage of the process.

In a world of mass production, traditional shoemaking offers something very different. A slower, more considered approach where techniques are developed by hand and individual details matter.

Britain has a long-standing heritage within the leather and footwear industries, with Walsall recognised internationally for its connection to leather craftsmanship and manufacturing excellence. Shoemaking sits naturally alongside these wider traditional skills, continuing the importance of skilled hand trades into the future.

This July, we are excited to introduce the New Pattern Principles for Shoemaking course over two days with world-renowned bespoke shoemaker Dominic Casey.

Designed to introduce the principles behind footwear pattern cutting and construction, the course offers a rare opportunity to learn methods used by a maker who works entirely by hand - from first measurement through to the final stitch.

🗓 Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 July
📍 Walsall Leather Skills Centre

Places are limited

Such a fantastic venture