The luxury industry is currently facing a pressing concern regarding the shortage of workers and experts in craftsmanship. Acknowledging this issue, three major players in the industry have recently launched initiatives aimed at attracting young people to these professions. LVMH, the leading luxury conglomerate, is conducting its annual “You and Me” tour, the Strategic Committee of the Fashion and Luxury Sector is running its “Savoir pour faire” campaign, and Altagamma has introduced the “Adopt a School” project.
LVMH’s “You and Me” tour has been making stops in various cities across France, with the purpose of raising awareness among students and young professionals about careers in the fields of creation, craftsmanship, and customer experience. Since its inception in 2015, the tour has aimed to present a diverse range of work experiences and internships in over 30 professions, including stylists, couturiers, furriers, and sales consultants. As part of this initiative, LVMH is offering 1,200 internship and apprenticeship opportunities, as well as 600 fixed-term and permanent contracts, until the end of April.
The Strategic Committee of the Fashion and Luxury Sector, helmed by Guillaume de Seynes from Hermès, is also targeting young people through its “Savoir pour faire” campaign. This National Industry Council, which brings together industry experts, public administrations, and trade unions, is focused on promoting French production and providing support for training and employment in the industry. The campaign offers valuable resources through its dedicated website, including virtual coaching, meetings with schools and teachers, visits to workshops, and educational podcasts.
Altagamma, a foundation that represents major luxury companies, has launched the “Adopt a School” project with the aim of fostering collaboration between companies and schools. This project seeks to involve young people in the manual trades of the new generation, which play a crucial role in maintaining Italian excellence in craftsmanship. The initiative’s objective is to identify training courses that align with the needs of companies and bridge the gap between sought-after skills and educational programs. Notably, several luxury brands, including Bottega Veneta, Brioni, Bulgari, Fendi, Herno, Isaia, Loro Piana, Moncler, and Salvatore Ferragamo, have already joined this project.
These initiatives not only seek to attract young talent to craftsmanship but also aim to improve the perception of these trades among young people. With the youth unemployment rate standing at 28%, manufacturing jobs offer significant opportunities for the younger generation. Furthermore, training new talents is crucial for the growth and sustainability of the high-end sector, which directly and indirectly employs nearly 2 million people in Italy alone.
The fashion and luxury sector holds significant influence over employment, providing over 600,000 direct jobs in France alone, according to the latest published figures from 2018. The demand for skilled professionals is projected to keep growing, with Altagamma’s publication “I Talenti del Fare” estimating that approximately 346,000 techno-professional profiles will be in high demand in various industries, including fashion, design, furniture, food, hospitality, and automotive, in the next five years. These initiatives are vital in attracting and developing the necessary talent needed to meet the industry’s demands and maintain its global competitiveness.
Useful links:
1. LVMH’s Institute for Training in Craftsmanship scholarships
2. Altagamma’s Start2Smart program
