Leather Goods Manufacturing

Short-Term Training

Welcome Message

We are delighted to welcome you to the Leather Goods Manufacturing Short-Term Training Program at the Ethiopian Institute of Textile and Fashion Technology (EiTEX), Bahir Dar University. You are embarking on an intensive three-month journey designed to equip you with practical, industry-oriented skills essential for success in the leather goods sector. This program empowers youth and women by building hands-on competencies in leather design, cutting, assembling, finishing, and entrepreneurship. With 90% practical training and 10% theory, the program provides a transformative learning experience that combines craftsmanship, creativity, and market readiness. Our goal is to nurture skilled artisans capable of producing world-class leather products while creating pathways for self-employment and sustainable livelihoods. We wish you a productive and inspiring training experience as you begin your journey in the vibrant world of leather craftsmanship!

Nomenclature of the certificate:

·  In English: Certificate in Leather Goods Manufacturing

·  በአማርኛ፡- በቆዳ ውጤቶች ንድፍና ምርት የምስክር ወረቀት

· Standard period of training: Three months

The Leather Goods Crafting Short-Term Training Program at EiTEX, Bahir Dar University, is a three-month intensive skills development course aimed at equipping participants with essential technical and entrepreneurial competencies for designing and producing leather goods. This program responds to the growing market demand for high-quality, handcrafted leather products and the need for a skilled workforce in Ethiopia’s leather sector. Through practical, hands-on learning, trainees gain direct experience in pattern making, cutting, assembling, finishing, and marketing of leather goods such as bags, belts, wallets, caps, and accessories. The program targets unemployed and underemployed youth, women, and migrant returnees seeking marketable skills to enhance their employability or start their own business ventures. Combining traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques, the training aims to preserve artisanal heritage while meeting current market and design standards. EiTEX provides the infrastructure, facilities, and expert trainers needed for participants to develop the craftsmanship, innovation, and entrepreneurial mindset required for sustainable success in the leather industry.

At the end of the course, the trainee should be able to:

·  Understand basic leather goods, sewing machines, stitches, and seam types.

·  Identify and replace imperfect parts of sewing machines and accessories.

·  Recognize various types of leather and their characteristics for appropriate application.

·  Develop skills in designing, pattern-making, cutting, and assembling leather goods.

· Master leather finishing techniques such as dyeing, polishing, embossing, and conditioning.

· Apply quality control standards throughout the production process.

· Demonstrate effective marketing and entrepreneurship strategies for leather goods.

· Handle tools, machinery, and materials with safety and precision.

This training program is designed with the following key objectives:

¨ Accessibility and Inclusion: To provide accessible, affordable, and practical training opportunities for youth, women, and migrant returnees, empowering them with employable skills in leather goods manufacturing.

¨ Technical Skill Development: To enhance technical proficiency in all stages of leather product manufacturing, including pattern development, cutting, assembling, finishing, and quality control using industry-standard tools and processes.

¨ Entrepreneurial Capacity Building: To develop entrepreneurial and business management skills that enable trainees to start and sustain small-scale enterprises or cooperatives in the leather goods sector.

¨ Creativity and Innovation: To inspire creative thinking and encourage design innovation that integrates functionality, aesthetics, and market appeal in leather goods products.

¨ Workplace Readiness: To instill professional discipline, teamwork, and safety practices that align with modern manufacturing environments.

The module is structured into five core modules with training spans 240 hours about 10% theory and 90% practical training.

Upon completion of the training, participants will:

¨  Demonstrate practical skills in the design, cutting, assembly, and finishing of leather goods.

¨Develop an understanding of different types of leather, materials, and production tools.

¨  Create a personal portfolio of crafted products demonstrating skill mastery and creativity.

¨  Handle sewing machines, cutting tools, and finishing equipment with precision and care.

¨  Apply design principles and pattern-making techniques in product development.

¨  Incorporate entrepreneurial and marketing knowledge to promote their products.

¨  Gain readiness for employment in small and medium leather enterprises or cooperative ventures.

Some of the leather goods constructed by previous leather goods manufacturing trainees

The unique value of the leather goods manufacturing program are:

Accessible Skills Training: The program addresses local labor market needs by equipping trainees with specialized hands-on skills in leather design, pattern making, cutting, assembling, finishing, and quality control.

Career-Ready Skills for Employment: Prepares trainees with practical, job-ready skills to foster stable employment and entrepreneurship. Graduates are empowered to launch their own workshops or collaborate in cooperatives.

Entrepreneurial Development: Integrates business fundamentals such as planning, market research, and branding into training, enabling craftsperson to build thriving commercial enterprises.

Immersive, Practical Experience: Offers 90% hands-on training in a state-of-the-art leather workshop, building trainee confidence through real-world project execution under expert guidance.

Industry-Aligned Training: Closes the skills gap in leather manufacturing by training professionals equipped to meet today’s technical, design, and market standards.

The Leather Goods Crafting Short-Term Training Program offers a comprehensive, practice-based approach to develop craftsmanship, creativity, and entrepreneurship in leather product manufacturing. Through hands-on learning and expert guidance, trainees master every stage of the leather goods production process from design conception to finishing and marketing. The training equips participants with technical proficiency while cultivating innovation, confidence, and business insight. The program contributes to sustainable livelihood creation and professional excellence in Ethiopia’s leather sector via fostering self-employment and community-based enterprise development. We invite aspiring artisans and creative individuals to join this transformative journey where craft meets opportunity, and skill shapes success.

Contact Information: 

·  Seid Ahmed (+251925229089)

·  seid86925@gmail.com 

·  Biniyam Solomon (+251921243999) 

·  biniko139@gmail.com