Artisanal Leather Goods Apprentice
Fendi & Istituto dei Mestieri d’Eccellenza LVMH — Artisanal Leather Goods Apprentice in Florence. 900‑hour apprenticeship with Maison placements; start Jan 2026.
Overview
Delivered by the Istituto dei Mestieri d’Eccellenza LVMH in partnership with Maison Fendi and other LVMH maisons, this programme combines institutional vocational training with in‑house placements. The institute focuses on transmitting artisanal know‑how and preparing new generations for technical, creative and production roles within the luxury goods sector.
Role & Responsibilities
- Complete a 900‑hour integrated programme (≈500 hours classroom/lab; 400 hours on‑the‑job placement in a Maison) and attend masterclasses and brand visits.
- Support the construction of prototypes and the production of high‑end leather goods under the supervision of senior craftsmen.
- Perform leather handling operations (cutting, skiving, edge finishing) and basic hand‑stitching using traditional techniques.
- Collaborate closely with pattern‑making (modelleria), leather sourcing and cutting teams to ensure prototype fidelity.
- Apply quality‑control criteria appropriate to luxury leather goods and maintain meticulous finishing standards.
- Adhere to workshop safety protocols, tool‑handling procedures and Maison operational rules.
Qualifications
- Minimum age 18; non‑EU applicants must hold a valid work permit authorising employment in Italy.
- Resident or domiciled in a municipality of the Tuscany region.
- Completion of compulsory education (scuola secondaria di primo ciclo) or equivalent; candidates with only primary education must document three years’ relevant experience as per regional rules.
- Manual dexterity, patience, precision and a strong attention to detail.
- Availability to attend full‑time, in‑person training beginning 7 January 2026 and to participate in selection activities on 10–11 December 2025.
Skills
Experience
No prior professional experience required — suitable for candidates seeking a first professional placement; relevant practical experience in leatherwork is advantageous.
Education
Completion of compulsory education (lower secondary diploma) or equivalent. Where only primary schooling has been completed, three years of documented sector experience is required.
Culture
The Istituto dei Mestieri d’Eccellenza LVMH cultivates an environment of craft excellence and intergenerational knowledge transfer, embedding trainees in the Maison culture of Fendi and other LVMH houses. The programme emphasises mentorship, discipline, and respect for artisanal traditions within a luxury, brand‑led workplace.