Footwear Production Intern

Location PaduaVenetoItaly
Type Internship
Seniority Intern
Posted Mar 15, 2026
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IME LVMH & Politecnico Calzaturiero in Padua seek 6 Footwear Production Interns for a women's luxury shoemaking apprenticeship (Oct 2025).

Overview

The Istituto dei Mestieri d’Eccellenza (IME) LVMH is the group's vocational training initiative that preserves and transmits artisanal know‑how across creation, craftsmanship and retail. Operated in partnership with leading Maisons and local training institutions such as the Politecnico Calzaturiero, the programme offers intensive, hands‑on instruction and direct exposure to LVMH Maisons including Christian Dior, Rossimoda and Louis Vuitton.

Role & Responsibilities

  • Complete an 800‑hour integrated training programme (400 hours classroom/lab at Politecnico Calzaturiero and 400 hours of on‑the‑job internship within a partner Maison).
  • Learn and perform core production operations for high‑quality women's footwear, including preparation, lasting, assembly and finishing.
  • Apply manual techniques with precision to meet luxury quality standards and tolerances.
  • Participate in IME masterclasses, guided tours inside Maisons and technical English terminology sessions to support professional integration.
  • Follow health, safety and quality procedures in the workshop and during in‑Maison placements; accept supervision and feedback from technical tutors.

Qualifications

  • Aged 18–29 and resident or domiciled in the Veneto region.
  • Italian or EU citizen, or non‑EU national with valid residence or work permit.
  • Unemployed and not enrolled in other educational or training programmes; must have completed compulsory schooling.
  • Registered with the Garanzia Giovani programme and holding a Patto di Servizio in Veneto (obtainable via the local Centro per l'Impiego).
  • Strong manual dexterity, patience, precision and a demonstrated attention to detail.

Skills

Manual dexterity and fine hand skills Precision and attention to detail Basic knowledge or willingness to learn shoemaking operations (preparation, lasting, assembly, finishing) Patience, manual sensitivity and steady hand coordination Ability to follow technical instructions and work under supervision

Experience

Entry‑level: no prior professional experience required. Candidates with basic manual or artisanal experience are welcome but the programme is designed for individuals at the start of their careers.

Education

Completion of compulsory schooling; vocational or technical background in leatherwork, footwear, or related manual trades is advantageous but not mandatory.

Benefits

Expense reimbursement during the internship; the training course is free and fully funded by the Regione Veneto. Participants receive 800 hours of structured training (400 hours classroom/lab + 400 hours internship), IME masterclasses, guided Maison visits and technical English terminology instruction.

Culture

IME LVMH cultivates a rigorous, mentorship‑driven environment where traditional craftsmanship is transmitted through close collaboration between training institutes and luxury Maisons. The culture emphasises precision, respect for heritage techniques and direct exposure to the standards and workflows of high‑end shoemaking.