---
type: News Article
title: "SEG Level 1: Introduction to Leather"
description: "No experience needed: the 120-hour SEG Level 1 Award, developed with the Saddlers' Company, is a government-fundable first step into a career in leather."
resource: "https://thesaddlers.org/news/trade/seg-level1-introduction-to-leather"
tags: [saddlers-news, saddlers-company, news, trade, seg-level1-introduction-to-leather]
published: "October 2024"
generated: { by: process:saddlers-site-build, at: 2026-10-20T15:16:16Z }
status: stable
sources:
  - id: page
    resource: "https://thesaddlers.org/news/trade/seg-level1-introduction-to-leather"
    title: "SEG Level 1 Leather Qualification | Saddlers' Company"
    author: "team:the-saddlers-company"
---
# SEG Level 1: Introduction to Leather

Published October 2024.

The SEG Level 1 Award is a 120-hour, government-fundable qualification developed by a working group of leather sector experts in collaboration with The Saddlers' Company, offering an entry point into a career working with leather with no prior experience required.[^page]

## A New Entry Point into the Trade

In 2024 a working group of experts from across the leather sectors, working with the Saddlers' Company, developed the Level 1 award to provide a route into a career working with leather. Its three units are approved by the Skills and Education Group for inclusion in the Level 1 Fashion & Textiles Award, and can be taken together for the full award or combined with units covering other specialist textile skills. The Skills and Education Group L1 Award is eligible for government funding for 14 to 16 year olds, 16 to 19 year olds and adult education, making it an accessible and affordable option for aspiring leatherworkers.

The course is hands-on and covers a foundation of practical skills including cutting, finishing, stitching, and incorporating fixtures and fittings, alongside the versatility and sustainability of leather as a material and the career or further learning routes that follow it. It gives a sound start for anyone considering a career in manufacturing or bespoke making, whether that is bags and cases, upholstery, garments, saddlery, shoes or book binding.

## How to Get Involved

No prior experience is needed and the course runs over 120 hours. Anyone interested in learning to work with leather, or a training provider wanting to offer the course, can register interest through the Company's online form, after which the team will follow up with further information.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the SEG Level 1 award?

It is a 120-hour, government-fundable qualification giving an entry point into working with leather, developed in 2024 by a leather sector working group with The Saddlers' Company.

### Is prior experience needed to take the course?

No. The course is designed for complete beginners and covers practical skills such as cutting, finishing, stitching, and fixtures and fittings.

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[^page]: SEG Level 1 Leather Qualification | Saddlers' Company, https://thesaddlers.org/news/trade/seg-level1-introduction-to-leather