Patrick Burns recognized the need to preserve the craft, skills and knowledge of the ages old art of saddlery and was instrumental in an idea to bolster the trade as it is practiced in modern times.The Walsall Leather Skills Centre is a community interest company (CIC) operating under a Service Level Agreement signed with the Worshipful Company of Saddlers in October 2023.We have committed to delivering a range of general and specialist classes and workshops teaching the vocational skills and imparting the knowledge required to develop and maintain a skilled workforce for the UK’s saddlery trade and leathergoods manufacturing – whether factory, small business or craft.The Centre is a resource for the leatherworking community and organisations who support the preservation and transmission of centuries old leather craft and manufacturing skills.We are a resource serving the training needs of the saddlery and leather trades and for anyone wishing to acquire or improve their leatherworking skills.The Centre occupies a spacious, well-resourced premises in the centre of Walsall within a short walk from the Train and Bus stations.It is equipped with a knife press, sewing and seaming machines, a skiving machine, a Fortuna splitter, compressor, and a range of bench top equipment including staple guns.We keep a wide selection of tools, materials and leather. We have benches for 8 which is the maximum class size.We teach courses for the complete beginner to the advanced practitioner and support the delivery of the Leather Craftsperson (Level 2) and Bespoke Saddler (Level 3) apprenticeships.For those who wish to become a Qualified Saddler the training we offer supports the achievement of the City & Guilds Level 2 & Level 3 Diploma in Saddlery (Bridle, Saddle and Harness).Walsall Leather Skills CentreOur courses also support those who wish to develop their craft leatherworking skills – whether for pleasure or as businesses producing niche and luxury leather goods.Our trainers are experienced saddle, bridle and harness makers, leathercraft workers and leather technologists. Each teaches a subject or programme they have specialised in. The maximum class size is 8.  Most courses will limit numbers to 6 so that the training, which is intensive, can be properly supported by the tutor.

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