Nicola Land, of Airwair International, of Northamptonshire, UK, and Jennifer Potts, of Marks & Spencer, in London, are the latest candidates to achieve the level of competence required by the technology centre.

In order to achieve accreditation the technologists had to undertake modules on lasts and fitting; materials and constructions; laboratory testing procedures; product design, performance and risk assessment; and quality assurance and supplier auditing. They then had to pass a final examination.

Ms Land has four years of experience in the footwear industry. She was technical manager at Airwair when she started the course last year and has since been promoted to quality manager.

Ms Potts has been with Marks & Spencer for two and half years and specialises in footwear product technology.

SATRA deputy chief executive Richard Turner commented, "As more and more footwear is being resourced and produced globally it is vital that footwear technologists keep abreast of the latest developments.”