Footwear manufacturing is highly skilled work. As a Dr. Martens apprentice, you will be working alongside the production team at our Made in England Factory, Wollaston, Northamptonshire, where our iconic 1460 boot was born. Surrounded by our footwear production experts, you'll learn in a supportive and collaborative fast-paced environment, integrating traditional hands‑on skills with innovative manufacturing technology. You will learn the footwear production process from start to finish.
- Clicking: operating cutting presses to specified quality standards, minimising wastage of skins and using innovative leather scanning and digital cutting technology
- Closing: creating Dr. Martens uppers using a variety of sewing machines and other specialist machinery
- Lasting: shaping the shoe around a last and attaching the sole to our famous yellow stitched welt
- Shoe room: adding the final touches- lacing, cleaning, and boxing ready for dispatch
Training The apprenticeship runs for 15 months in our Made in England factory. You will learn everything to do with Dr. Martens footwear manufacturing as well as aspects such as the tanning process, sizing, other footwear constructions and health and safety. We are closely connected with Northampton College, where you will study and learn throughout the year, as well as with other companies in the footwear industry around Northamptonshire. Your study programme will require you to attend Northampton College two days per month.
What else? As our Footwear Apprentice, you will:
- Work hands‑on with our product from day one, learning real skills whilst getting paid
- Be a Dr. Martens brand ambassador, knowledgeable about the history of footwear and the iconic brand
- Take an active role in social media, helping to run the Apprenticeship Instagram account and growing our followers
- Learn various elements of footwear construction- the tanning process, leather inspection and quality control
- Create your very own custom pair of DMs as part of your final project
Following successful completion of your Apprenticeship, you'll receive a government accredited qualification in Footwear Manufacturing - Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship in Footwear.
- Team working
- Creative
- Initiative
- Non judgemental
- Patience
- Eye for detail
- Good communicator
- Problem solving, GCSE Maths and English (grade 4 or above) - essential
Dr. Martens have always stood with those who dare to be different. We have the respect of big‑name fashion giants - think Rick Owens and Comme des Garcons - enabling us to engage in exciting partnerships season after season. We want to mean something to everyone who laces up our boots: from the first timers to the Docs veterans. We need authentic people, who act courageously and show they care.
Wage: £25,920 a year, Find the best degree, higher, and advanced apprenticeships across the UK. Fast-track your career, earn a competitive wage, and gain debt‑free qualifications.
Footwear Apprentice in Wollaston employer: Northampton College
Northampton College is an exceptional employer that prioritises collaboration and professional development, making it an ideal place for those passionate about training and assessment in electrical installation. Located in a vibrant community, the college offers a supportive work culture that values diversity and inclusion, providing ample opportunities for employee growth and meaningful contributions across various disciplines.
