After leaving school, Gavin applied for an apprenticeship that he saw advertised in the local paper. Although he knew people who worked in the industry, he didn’t know what to expect and his first day was a ‘bit of an eye-opener’. Like most, he was unaware of how much goes into making leather. However, he saw the apprenticeship as a way of making up for not doing so well at school and making a career for himself. That was in 1997 and 17 years later, he has no intention of leaving.

His current role is Grading Standards Manager with responsibility for ensuring that all the leather produced is graded properly for colour, substance and feel. He is also responsible for grading the raw material that comes into the factory. For Gavin, one of the appealing things about working with leather is that, being a variable natural material, you don’t know what you will get from one batch to the next. The diversity of the product means the role stays interesting and there are always decisions to be made. This means it not an easy job but he finds the challenge enjoyable and he says ‘There is always something to look forward to’.

Since joining Pittards, he has sought training wherever available and this has been supported by the company. As a result he has completed vocational and City and Guilds qualifications and numerous other courses. He says that the industry can be hard work but there are always opportunities for those willing to work. It is an industry with a future that can offer opportunities for travel and work overseas. And as he says, it’s not dull.