Back to School

The 100 new students joining the IME this year were welcomed by LVMH Chairman and CEO Bernard Arnault. Highlights from the inauguration. The IME vocational training program was launched in July 2014, offering degree courses that allow students to combine training at prestigious schools – including the Ecole de la Bijouterie Joaillerie de Paris jewelry school, the Ecole Boulle and the Maison des Compagnons du Devoir – with professional experience in the workshops of LVMH Houses.

Training covers a variety of areas such as “couture flou” (draping, or “soft” couture), retail sales and winemaking. The objective is to train the talented artisans of tomorrow. Speaking at the ceremony, LVMH Group Executive Vice-President, Human Resources and Synergies Chantal Gaemperle underlined why LVMH has always attached great importance to transmitting savoir-faire to new generations: “The expert gestures of people who work with leather, jewelry, couture gowns or grapevines can only be passed on from artisan to artisan. Each gesture must be absolutely perfect.”

Bernard Arnault had words of encouragement for the new IME students: “You need to be optimistic, persevering, and even a bit stubborn.” After talking about the Group’s values, he reminded them of the fundamental raison-d’être of LVMH and its people: “We are there to sell dreams and spark desire.”  This vision will certainly provide inspiration to the students as they embark on this uniquely rich educational experience.

IME courses in artisanal, creative and retail métiers:

• Vocational high school degree in jewelry arts and techniques
• Vocational high school degree in “Couture Tailleur” (draping, or “soft” couture)
• Vocational high school degree in leather goods
• Vocational baccalaureate in winegrowing
• Client Advisor
• Degree in Design, Communication, Space, Volume