France’s national leathergoods industry body FFM has welcomed a new development in the country’s education system. 

When the new academic year starts in September, some high-school pupils will begin studying for a specialist qualification in leathergoods manufacturing. 

France has a programme called the National Diploma in Crafts and Applied Arts. From 2026, leathergoods manufacturing will become one of the specialism students can choose. 

Young people usually start working towards this qualification from the age of 15. It takes three years to complete the diploma. 

A technical high school at Turquetil near Paris will be the first to make this option available to students. Others may follow in the years ahead. 

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