LVMH expands coursework as third edition of work-study program opens

French conglomerate LVMH is kicking off the third year of its vocational training program by exhibiting the work of previous students.

This school year’s Institut des Métiers d’Excellence (IME) will see 300 apprentices from colleges across three countries learning skills related to artisanal craftsmanship or retail. This work-study initiative is a means for LVMH to prepare the next generation for jobs within the luxury industry through hands-on learning.

Craftsmanship courses
LVMH’s IME is produced in partnership with 12 schools through collaborations with many of its luxury houses. Through these institutional affiliations, the program has been able to increase its areas of study for this year, offering 18 training tracks.

Thanks to Polimoda, participants will be able to study leatherworking for the first time, while a relationship with For.Al has created the first IME coursework in jewelry. Students will now also be able to work towards a Master in Design, Fashion and Creative Industries through France’s Sorbonne Nouvelle and École Duperré.

Another new addition is an English language client advisor class, in partnership with EIML Paris.

The IME offers a range of levels of coursework, with certain classes awarding masters degrees for completion, while others high school level vocational certificates. In addition to the educational achievement, nine in 10 students who graduate achieve work placement.

Students in LVMH's IME. Image credit: LVMH

LVMH’s IME has grown since its first class of 28 apprentices in 2014.

In 2016, the institute opened its first watchmaking school in Switzerland.

This year, the IME has expanded from France into Italy, selecting Italian fashion school Polimoda as a partner for training leather goods artisans. The luxury sector has been inventive, often leveraging educational programs, to ensure future generations are trained in traditional handcrafts (see story).

“The European expansion of the LVMH Institut des Métiers d’Excellence and these new courses underline the importance LVMH attaches to transmission of savoir-faire and to the unique skills required in the luxury industry,” said Chantal Gaemperle, LVMH Group executive vice president, human resources & synergies, in a statement.

As the latest edition of the IME begins, LVMH is showcasing a number of the works from previous students, ranging from watchmaking to fashion, in an exhibit.