High School

People looking for jobs as leather tanning and finishing workers will most easily find work if they have a high school diploma or GED. Courses in chemistry, shop, sewing, mathematics, and art all are helpful to aspiring leather workers.

Postsecondary Training

Because workers generally learn their skills on the job, employers do not usually require previous experience. Most workers begin as laborers and learn to operate tanning and finishing machines over time.

Certification or Licensing

There is no certification or licensing available for leather tanning and finishing workers.

No previous experience is needed; most people enter the field as laborers and gradually expand their skills to move up the career ladder. 

Workers must be healthy and should have a fair amount of physical strength and stamina. For much of the work good eyesight and eye-hand coordination are important. For inspectors and sorters, attention to detail is necessary.