CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

Person working on leather craft at a woodworking table, measuring and marking leather with a metal ruler, surrounded by various leather pieces and tools.

Leatherwork

Mastering this noble material and its diverse techniques will prepare you for the fascinating world of leatherworking.

This craft offers endless inspiration possibilities for creating objects that serve as valuable tools and dynamic opportunities for building a prosperous career and entrepreneurial future.

Our certificate programs

Our programs are designed to provide solid and specialized technical training over two semesters: Basic semester and Specialization semester.

The basic semester serves as a prerequisite for any specialization within the leather program.
During the first semester, students acquire foundational knowledge of the craft. The second semester focuses on advanced techniques, allowing for the improvement of skills and expertise.

Each semester consists of 432 hours, totaling 864 hours per program and combines technical and theoretical coursework, delivered by highly qualified instructors.
The training is conducted in person, ensuring hands-on learning experience and feedback closely connected to the realities of the trade.
Students may focus on one of the following areas of specialization: Leather Goods, Small Leather Goods, Leather Weaving, Leather Containers.

2026 Course Details

- Small Leather goods
  7:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m.
- Leather goods
  5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
- Registrations close on November 30th
- Classes begin January 19th.
$1.848.000 pesos COL
Applies to registration made before November 30th, 2025
Monday to Friday
- Small Leather goods
  7:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m.
- Leather goods
  5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Upon completion of the program, students receive the Technical Labor Certificate in Leatherwork, with the related specialization, approved by the Bogotá Secretariat of Education under Resolution 170017 of November 27, 2024.

Our programs offer an exceptional opportunity to build a career in artisanal excellence.

Through a hands-on approach guided by expert instructors, students gain in-depth knowledge and unique opportunities within the world of traditional crafts.

The programs are the gateway to a successful career with artisanal excellence. Discover all that you can achieve, secure your place today and set your career in motion!

Woman working with industrial sewing machine in a workshop, with large wooden window and view of outdoors.

Curriculum

A person using a metal ruler to cut leather with a rotary cutter, with black leather pieces on a wooden surface.

In the Basic semester, students learn the essential aspects of leatherworking and develop fundamental skills to advance toward specialized levels.
Students learn how to identify different types of leather and understand their characteristics.
They also learn how to handle and select materials and tools suited to each product and technique.
The program emphasizes on material preparation, volume comprehension, finishing techniques, and quality standards, ensuring precision and excellence in every crafted piece.
Students also gain expertise in creating and interpreting technical sheets, enabling precise tracking of materials, techniques, finishes, costs and allowing for high-quality standards control throughout production.
Courses included in the Basic Leatherworking semester:
- Context and History
- Raw Materials, Supplies, and Tools
- Sharpening, Cutting, and Shaping
- Drawing for Artisanal Design
- Mold and Volume Creation
- Hand Stitching and Finishing
- Machine Stitching
- Assembly and Documentation

Specialization semester

The specialization semesters provide hands-on training, allowing students to refine their knowledge, techniques, and skills. These semesters focus on micro-processes, quality parameters, and key references to enhance the precision and craftsmanship of each technique.

A man in a brown jacket working carefully on a leather item at a workbench.

Leatherwork specializations

After finishing the basic cycle, students continue the program by selecting one of the following areas of specialization.

Leather goods

Small leather goods

Leather weaving

Leather containers

Leather goods

Learn more

The Leatherworking program focuses on the development of ornamental and functional leather products. Step into this incredible experience and bring your unique style to life in every creation.

Leather knitting accessories bag with yarns and knitting needles, set on wooden loom weaving in the background.

The program begins with the identification and analysis of various leather goods, including bags, briefcases, and wallets. Students study the functional and aesthetic characteristics of each piece before diving into volume and form exploration, allowing the application of different construction techniques to create one-of-a-kind products.
The training progresses with mold creation, adapted to various assembly methods. Students examine each product’s structure and learn to integrate its components into the manufacturing process. They also refine manual techniques for assembling bags and briefcases, ensuring precision and high-quality craftsmanship in every detail.
To conclude, the program incorporates machine stitching techniques, leveraging the advantages of mechanized production in artisanal leatherworking. This approach enhances manufacturing efficiency and optimizes production time.
Courses included in the Leather Goods Specialization:
- Introduction to the History of Leather Goods
- Leather Goods Morphology
- Mold Development for Leather Goods
- Manual Processes
- Mechanized Processes

Small leather goods

Learn more

The Small Leather Goods specialization focuses on the creation of functional and compact pieces. Refine your attention to detail and fine motor skills to create wallets, cardholders, coin purses, and keychains—functional pieces that exemplify precision and expert craftsmanship.

Person sewing a leather wallet with a needle and thread, on a wooden workbench with sewing tools and spool of thread.

The program includes planning and component structuring, a crucial aspect given the complexity of small leather pieces. Students study various assembly methods, mastering technical precision required for these intricate designs.
Training concludes with manual and machine stitching techniques, integrating specific methods for crafting small leather goods.
The program emphasizes attention to detail and process optimization, ensuring high-quality finishes and efficient production workflows.
This structured and technical approach develops specialized skills in small leather goods, preparing participants to produce functional and precise pieces that meet the highest quality standards.
Courses included in the Small Leather Goods Specialization:
- Introduction to the History of Leather Goods
- Planning for Small Leather Goods
- Mold Development for Leather Goods
- Manual Processes
- Mechanized Processes

Leather weaving

Next Opening July 2026

Leather weaving allows artisans to create unique handcrafted products using advanced flat and tridimensional weaving techniques. Explore the structural and aesthetic possibilities of this material and craft one-of-a-kind pieces, each stitch reflecting your personal style.

Person wrapping a gift with red and white patterned wrapping paper.

This program explores fundamental weaving concepts, such as warp and weft, modular weaving, and the construction of woven structures at 90° and 45° angles.
These techniques allow for the creation of intricate designs with rich textures, ideal for leather accessories, decorative boxes, bags and artisanal pieces.
Weaving techniques are enriched with braiding and decorative leatherwork, incorporating elements such as braids, tassels, and other detailed trimmings.
These enhancements refine designs and contribute to the development of accessory components, giving leather products a distinctive artisanal identity through expert craftsmanship.
This specialization offers a structured and in-depth learning experience, blending tradition and innovation to expand design and production possibilities within the leatherworking sector.
Courses included in the Leather Weaving Specialization:
- Introduction to Weaving
- Manual and Mechanical Processes
- Flat Weaving Techniques
- Dimensional Weaving Techniques
- Modular Weaving
- Braiding and Knotting

Leather containers

Next Opening July 2026

This specialization focuses on crafting structured leather objects, using advanced techniques to produce durable, high-quality pieces. Students learn to work with thick leather, build solid structures, line boxes, and create precise joints for functional and decorative accessories designed for homes and offices.

A woman working on clay sculpture in a woodworking studio with wooden railings and natural light.

This specialization adapts fundamental leatherworking principles to the design of robust products, exploring specialized methods to reinforce leather structures, optimize volume, and refine finishes. Students gain expertise in tools and techniques essential for crafting functional and aesthetically refined pieces.
Courses included in Leather Containers program:
- Introduction and History
- Volume Planning
- Basic Volume Structures
- Home and Office Accessories
- Box and Structure Lining

Leather masters

Bernardo Castro

With 17 years of experience, Bernardo excels in combining techniques to create unique, unconventional objects. He emphasizes respect for the craft and maximizing natural raw materials.
Jose Chacón

A second-generation leatherworker with 20 years of experience, Jose specializes in preforms, Handmade Leather Goods, and saddlery. His craftsmanship has earned him recognition from institutions such as Sena and Artesanías de Colombia.
Viviana Enciso

With 19 years of experience in design, handmade leather goods, and footwear, Viviana brings a passion for transforming leather into meaningful objects. She specializes in prototyping, Handmade Leather Goods, and machine stitching.
Beatriz Herrera

Beatriz, a master with 30 years of experience, has taught for over 15 years. Her expertise in mold making and handmade leather goods inspires students to see the craft as a valuable career path.
Carolina Lopez

With 17 years of experience, Carolina specializes in handmade leather products. She teaches her students to create with quality and passion, fostering entrepreneurship.
Magaly Palacios

An industrial designer with 25 years of leatherworking experience, Magaly finds joy in continuously learning and teaching. Her work highlights the functional and aesthetic possibilities of leather.
Marco Carlosama

With 40 years of experience as an entrepreneur, Marco brings expertise in mold creation, machine use, and diverse leatherworking techniques. His knowledge enriches the School’s programs.