Skills training in leathergoods works well for jobseekers and brands
10/07/2012
Since it opened in 2005, the institution has run various courses in leathergoods manufacture in a series of towns in Tuscany, including Scandicci and Pontassieve, as a partnership between the local authorities and a number of luxury leathergoods brands who tap into the skills of Tuscan leathergoods craftsmen and women. The head of production and logistics for Gucci, Karlheinz Hofer, was recently named as president of board that runs the institution.
“What we can find in Tuscany is tradition and know-how,” Mr Hofer said on being appointed to the presidency. “There is a direct link between the red carpet and the skill and capacity to make products that have high levels of innovation and craftsmanship.”
One of the mayors involved in the idea, Simone Gheri of Scandicci, said at the same time: “Unemployment among young people in Italy is at 36%. Meanwhile, leathergoods businesses in this area have been fearful of losing the heritage of our highly specialised local craftsmanship. So we are offering an answer to young people who are looking for a job and to those who are already working but who want to put their skills to use in the luxury leathergoods and Made in Italy sector.”
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