LVMH begins the Métiers d'Excellence Institute program in the U.S. with Tiffany & Co. to train next generation of jewelry craftspeople

Tiffany & Co. works with the U.S. Department of Labor to kick-off LVMH's first ever U.S. registered apprenticeship program as part of National Apprenticeship Week

NEW YORK, Nov. 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- In celebration of National Apprenticeship Week, LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH) announced today it has officially begun the first Métiers d'Excellence Institute (ME Institute) program in the United States with Tiffany & Co., the iconic American luxury brand and globally renowned jeweler. The program will train the first cohort of the next generation of craftspeople in jewelry design and fabrication, with trainees learning the artisanal, design and retail excellence and savoir-faire, named Métiers d'Excellence, for which LVMH is known.

The apprenticeship application process began in the summer and focused on recruiting artists from diverse, historically underrepresented communities to create opportunity and build an inclusive talent pipeline. Following an extensive review, LVMH and Tiffany & Co. selected and recently onboarded eight apprentices for the first cohort: Diana Olivarez, Elizabeth Shoobs, Elizabeth Matthan, Evan Martinez, Jiwon Hong, Isabella Dias, Maria-Emilia Proaño and Marianne Nieves de Banegas.

"Establishing the Métiers d'Excellence program in the U.S. will expand our pipeline of talent and advance our goal to promote workforce diversity in the luxury industry," said Gena Smith, Chief Human Resources Officer, LVMH North America. "By providing an exceptional cohort of apprentices with the opportunity to learn from experienced craftspeople, Métiers d'Excellence ensures that these skills are passed on to early career professionals and teaches apprentices to uphold LVMH's longstanding standards of excellence."

As the first Maison to kick-off the program in the U.S., Tiffany & Co. will focus the curriculum on jewelry design and fabrication over two years, including rotations through Tiffany Workshops.

"We are excited to commence the Métiers d'Excellence program following our recently launched social impact platform, Tiffany Atrium," said Mary Bellai, Global Chief Human Resources Officer, Tiffany & Co. "The Métiers d'Excellence initiative will enable us to reinforce the diversity and inclusivity of Tiffany & Co.'s workforce through one of our core pillars of Tiffany Atrium – education. Our efforts will support the long-term growth and development of students, early career professionals and educational institutions in the U.S."

LVMH and Tiffany & Co. worked closely with the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) to register the program. Registered Apprenticeships are industry-vetted and approved, validated by the U.S. Department of Labor or a State Apprenticeship Agency, and offer participants a portable, nationally recognized credential. Additionally, these programs provide a critical pathway for people to access quality career opportunities through hands-on learning and direct work experience.

This partnership represents the first apprenticeship program offered in the luxury industry for the Department as part of a larger list of skills-based learning programs. To celebrate this major milestone, the NYSDOL is officially kicking off National Apprenticeship Week with a ceremonial signing with LVMH, Tiffany & Co. and apprentices from the first cohort.

National Apprenticeship Week represents an opportunity to shed light on the successes and value of Registered Apprenticeship for rebuilding the economy, advancing racial and gender equity, and supporting underserved communities.

"Registered Apprenticeship continues to put New Yorkers on the path to great, in-demand careers while also providing employers with a skilled workforce," said Roberta Reardon, New York State Department of Labor Commissioner. "I thank LVMH and Tiffany & Co. for following this model, and encourage other companies to reach out to us if they are interested in learning how Registered Apprenticeships can help meet their business needs."

The launch of the Métiers d'Excellence program in the U.S. with Tiffany & Co. is the first of LVMH's Métiers d'Excellence initiative in the U.S., with several other Maisons planning to join in 2023.  

Since its inception in France in 2014, more than 1,400 students have participated in the Métiers d'Excellence program in seven countries. The success rate has been tremendous, with 78% of apprentices continuing their studies or joining professions where they apply the skills they learned, many of which are at LVMH Maisons or external partners.   

LVMH
LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton is represented in Wines and Spirits by a portfolio of brands that includes Moët & Chandon, Dom Pérignon, Veuve Clicquot, Krug, Ruinart, Mercier, Château d'Yquem, Domaine du Clos des Lambrays, Château Cheval Blanc, Colgin Cellars, Hennessy, Glenmorangie, Ardbeg, Belvedere, Woodinville, Volcán de Mi Tierra, Chandon, Cloudy Bay, Terrazas de los Andes, Cheval des Andes, Cape Mentelle, Newton, Bodega Numanthia, Ao Yun, Château d'Esclans and Château Galoupet. Its Fashion and Leather Goods division includes Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Celine, Loewe, Kenzo, Givenchy, Fendi, Emilio Pucci, Marc Jacobs, Berluti, Loro Piana, RIMOWA, Patou. LVMH is present in the Perfumes and Cosmetics sector with Parfums Christian Dior, Guerlain, Parfums Givenchy, Kenzo Parfums, Perfumes Loewe, Benefit Cosmetics, Make Up For Ever, Acqua di Parma, Fresh, Fenty Beauty by Rihanna, Maison Francis Kurkdjian and Officine Universelle Buly. LVMH's Watches and Jewelry division comprises Bulgari, Tiffany & Co., TAG Heuer, Chaumet, Zenith, Fred and Hublot. LVMH is also active in selective retailing as well as in other activities through DFS, Sephora, Le Bon Marché, La Samaritaine, Groupe Les Echos, Cova, Le Jardin d'Acclimatation, Royal Van Lent, Belmond and Cheval Blanc hotels and Stella by Stella McCartney.

Tiffany & Co.
Tiffany & Co., founded in New York City in 1837 by Charles Lewis Tiffany, is a global luxury jeweler synonymous with elegance, innovative design, fine craftsmanship and creative excellence.

With more than 300 retail stores worldwide and a workforce of more than 14,000 employees, Tiffany & Co. and its subsidiaries design, manufacture and market jewelry, watches and luxury accessories. Nearly 2,300 skilled artisans cut Tiffany diamonds and craft jewelry in the Company's own workshops, realizing the brand's commitment to superlative quality. 

Tiffany & Co. has a long-standing commitment to conducting its business responsibly, sustaining the natural environment, prioritizing diversity and inclusion, and positively impacting the communities in which it operates. To learn more about Tiffany & Co. and its commitment to sustainability, please visit Tiffany & Co.
@tiffanyandco #TiffanyAtrium #TiffanySustainability

MEDIA CONTACT
Brenda De Alba
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+ 1 831 207 8627

SOURCE LVMH