Training Future Artisans: Inside LVMH’s Institut des Métiers d’Excellence

LVMH, a leader in luxury goods, operates the Institut des Métiers d’Excellence, which nurtures a fresh generation of artisans, creators, and client specialists. These roles require rare skills that are vital for industries with promising job opportunities. Marion Bardet, the director of Métiers d’Excellence, shares insights about their work.

Understanding ‘Métiers d’Excellence’

The main goal is to promote and pass on essential skills within the group’s value chain. This encompasses roles related to creation, craftsmanship, and the client experience, including areas like sales and hospitality.

Recognizing Overlooked Professions

Many of these roles are often underrated. Our efforts focus on elevating their visibility and ensuring that these specialized skills are transmitted effectively. We engage across all sectors of the group, including leather goods, couture, jewelry, watchmaking, perfume, cosmetics, hospitality, and selective retailing.

Daily Practice and Collaboration

We collaborate with all 75 LVMH houses via our training organization, the Institut des Métiers d’Excellence (IME). This initiative provides training for both young people and career changes in partnership with prestigious institutions, such as the Compagnons du Devoir and the Haute École de Joaillerie. Students participate in a work-study program, balancing classroom learning with hands-on experience in the group’s workshops and boutiques.

Integration of Classes

Indeed, classes at LVMH are integrated into the partner schools. Apprentices receive a dual experience from both the educational institutions and the support of our houses. They also have access to masterclasses, language courses, and soft skills development, along with the annual Master Games competition where they pitch projects to the group.

Annual Training Capacity

In 2025, we welcomed 220 new apprentices in France alone. Since the inception of the IME in 2014, over 3,300 apprentices have been trained—a significant growth from just 27 students in the inaugural year.

Candidate Selection Process

The selection process involves two stages: one through the partner school and another by the house that will employ the apprentice. Candidates can apply until April, particularly during our You & Me tour from January to March.

Training Costs

Training is offered at no cost to students, which is a major benefit of participating in the apprenticeship program.

Recruitment Needs

In 2025, there were over 4,500 available positions in the métiers d’excellence in France. These professions boast high recruitment rates with virtually no unemployment.

Global Economic Outlook

We anticipate stability. Our 2025 class sizes remained consistent with the previous year, supported by ongoing recruitment demands from our houses.

The Long Road to Mastery

Training artisans is a long-term endeavor, typically requiring nearly a decade to master skills in areas like leather goods and jewelry. While apprentices start acquiring skills early, attaining excellence calls for dedication and practice. We prioritize the pursuit of excellence over quick cyclical responses.

Generational Challenges

Indeed, a significant number of artisans are expected to retire by 2030. Thus, cultivating the talent of the future is crucial for preserving these rare skills.

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