BLC & BFA Foundation Certificate in Footwear Manufacturing

Course Description

Develop your footwear manufacturing knowledge with the BLC & BFA  Foundation Certificate in Footwear Manufacturing

The British Footwear Association (BFA) and BLC Leather Technology Centre (BLC) are pleased to present the Foundation Certificate in Footwear Manufacturing; a non-technical training programme aimed at retail employees and all other footwear employees in non-technical roles.
 
Attending all four modules for the BLC & BFA Foundation Certificate in Footwear Manufacturing will provide you with industry level knowledge of footwear manufacturing and the understanding needed to confidently work in the footwear industry.
 

Qualification Level

Level 2
 

Course Structure

The BLC & BFA Foundation Certificate in Footwear Manufacturing is comprised of four one-day modules:

• Module One: Last Making & the Principles of Shoe Making

• Module Two: Shoe Making Materials

• Module Three: Methods of Shoe Making

• Module Four: Safety Related Performance

 
To gain the BFA Foundation Certification in Footwear Manufacturing, you need to attend and pass all modules. It is also possible to attend individual modules.

Who Should Attend?

Any individuals who want to embark on a career in footwear, including junior technicians and newcomers to the industry, as well as those already in working in the sector who wish to increase their knowledge and understanding of what is an exciting but complex industry. 

This course is also ideal for professionals in other footwear functions to attend, including sales, marketing, logistics, customer care, buyers, range builders, and designers.

Course Agenda

Module 1:  Last Making & the Principles of Shoe Fitting
Location: BLC Leather Technology Centre, Northampton
Date: 5^th October 2017

• Foot anatomy and study of the internal and external structure of the foot, biomechanics, functions and movement of the foot.

• Principles of last design, relationship between foot and last, principles of last grading, last standards and guidelines, last assessment techniques, last constructions, different last types and materials.

• Sizing systems, principles of different sizing systems and comparisons (UK, Paris Points, USA)

• Foot Comfort – requirement for upper and underfoot comfort, pressure points, general principles of foot comfort, bespoke and orthopaedic.

• Foot measurement and assessment, knowledge of foot measurements, different foot types, different foot measuring devices, e.g., tapes, boards etc.

 
Module 2:  Shoe Making Materials
Location: BLC Leather Technology Centre, Northampton
Date: 12^th October 2017

• Understanding leather from animal to shoe, covering everything from tannage to the various leather type’s performances and aesthetics; from labelling to the testing which must take place before reaching market place

• Visit to leather tannery to see theory in action

• A look at synthetic uppers and linings including their structures, applications and properties, and testing. Also, a look at faux leathers and leather substitutes and how the perform in comparison

• Soling materials and performance properties; features and end uses; moulding processes and testing

• Other materials and footwear components, a look at their construction and end uses from insoles to zips; stiffeners to buckles and everything in between

 
Module 3:  Methods of Shoe Making
Location: BLC Leather Technology Centre, Northampton
Date: 19^th October 2017

• Explanation of construction types, their manufacturing processes and typical end uses and properties, adhesive types, preparation, bonding and failures.

• The manufacturing process from goods-in to finishing, providing a basic understanding of the whole shoe making process and a familiarity with the terminology and machinery

• Visit to a local footwear factory

 
Module 4:  Safety Related Performance
Location: BLC Leather Technology Centre, Northampton
Date: 9^th November 2017

• Basic understanding of the legal requirements of footwear including The General Products Safety Directive, Sale of Goods Act, Toy Directive, REACH and banned and restricted substances.

• Labelling Directive, US CPSC, other relevant national legislation.

• Risk - what is it and define critical, major and minor issues, importance of risk management, product liability and recalls, safety critical issue v quality issues.

• Understanding of main safety related properties including physical tests, fastening integrity, foot discomfort and fit, stability, allergies, chemicals, flammability, toxicity, sharp points – their causes and remedies.

Download the course agenda
 

Course Costs

Discounted rate for BLC and/or BFA Members
Per module: £290.00 +VAT

Standard rate for non-members
Per module: £380.00 +VAT

Special discounts for booking all 4 modules – price available on request.