Part-Time Workshop & Studio Assistant

University of the Arts London; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 17,000 - 22,000; Part time

Job summary

University of the Arts London is seeking a Workshop & Studio Assistant for its Bethnal Green shoemaking and bagmaking studio. The role combines workshop support, practical making and product development, with opportunities to prototype new shoe and bag projects and create digital patterns.

You will split time between supporting workshops and developing projects, with responsibilities from setting up studios to assisting students and tutors, and preparing materials. Some weekend work is required.

Qualifications

• Strong practical making background essential.
• Experience in leather craft or footwear/shoemaking.
• Excellent manual dexterity and attention to detail.
• Able to prototype and develop patterns.

Responsibilities

• Prepare the studio, tools and materials for upcoming workshops.
• Prepare leather, components and workshop kits.
• Support tutors and students during shoemaking, bagmaking and leather craft workshops.
• Assist students with practical making techniques.
• Help prototype and develop new shoes, bags and leather craft projects.
• Create and adapt digital patterns using Adobe Illustrator and InDesign.
• Test patterns and make samples as part of development.
• Prepare patterns, templates and teaching materials for workshops.
• Keep tools, materials and stock organised.
• Reset and prepare the studio between workshops.

Skills

Leather craft

Footwear or shoemaking

Bagmaking or accessories

Sewing and construction

Pattern cutting or pattern development

Another relevant hands-on craft

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe InDesign

Education

Degree in Footwear Design, Bag & Accessories Design, Leather Craft

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe InDesign

Job description

Hours 2-3 days per week, based at our Bethnal Green studio. Working days will vary depending on our workshop schedule and will include some weekend work, so flexibility is important. There may also be opportunities for additional hours during busy workshop periods.

I Can Make Shoes & I Can Make Bags – Bethnal Green, London
2 – 3 days per week | Including occasional Saturdays

We’re looking for a practical, creative and organised Workshop & Studio Assistant to join our small team at our shoemaking and bagmaking studio in Bethnal Green.

This is a varied, hands‑on role combining workshop support, practical making and product development. Alongside helping us deliver our in‑person workshops, you’ll have the opportunity to assist with prototyping new shoe, bag and leather craft projects and creating digital patterns.

We’re looking for a recent graduate from a footwear, leather bags or leather craft course who has strong practical leather craft skills and would like to continue developing their craft and technical skills within a working studio.

The Role

Your time will be split between supporting our workshops and assisting with practical studio and development projects.

Responsibilities may include:

• Preparing the studio, tools and materials for upcoming workshops
• Preparing leather, components and workshop kits
• Supporting tutors and students during shoemaking, bagmaking and leather craft workshops
• Assisting students with practical making techniques
• Helping prototype and develop new shoes, bags and leather craft projects
• Creating and adapting digital patterns using Adobe Illustrator and InDesign
• Testing patterns and making samples as part of the development process
• Preparing patterns, templates and teaching materials for workshops
• Keeping tools, materials and stock organised
• Resetting and preparing the studio between workshops
• Helping with general practical studio tasks as needed

About Us

I Can Make Shoes & I Can Make Bags is a creative teaching studio based in Bethnal Green, London. We specialise in making professional shoemaking and bagmaking techniques accessible to everyone, from complete beginners through to aspiring designers and makers.

We’re a small team, which means this is a varied role with the opportunity to get involved in much more than workshop set‑up. You’ll gain experience across teaching, leather craft, pattern development, prototyping and the day‑to‑day workings of a creative business.

Who We’re Looking For

A strong practical making background is essential. You should have experience in one or more of the following:

• Leather craft
• Footwear or shoemaking
• Bagmaking or accessories
• Sewing and construction
• Pattern cutting or pattern development
• Another relevant hands‑on craft or making discipline

You should also be:

• Confident and capable when working with your hands
• Interested in prototyping, product development and problem‑solving
• Friendly, patient and comfortable helping adult students
• Extremely organised with excellent attention to detail
• Proactive and able to work independently
• Reliable and happy working as part of a small team
• Available for 2 days per week, including some weekend work

A degree in Footwear Design, Bag & Accessories Design, Leather Craft is essential – Please do not apply if you don’t have any leather craft experience.

Previous teaching experience isn’t essential — we’re primarily looking for someone with strong making skills who enjoys sharing practical knowledge and helping others.

We are an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, regardless of their race, disability, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion and belief, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity and caring responsibility. We are committed to offering a working environment where everyone is valued and feels appreciated.