To honor its 80th anniversary and its tradition of superior craftsmanship, Sàfilo establishes its very own Product School. This prestigious program aims to engage and educate budding optical enthusiasts while developing the next generation of Eyewear Product Directors.

Beginning in 2015, Sàfilo will offer 10 young professionals an apprenticeship position in its comprehensive three-year program. Participants will be selected from an international pool of graduates from technical institutes and universities.

Support for the school will come from Sàfilo’s license partners, who will play an active role in qualifying the apprentices at the end of the program. One special award has already been confirmed, sponsored by Dior. Sidney Toledano, president and CEO of Christian Dior Couture, says: “Dior stands for the highest standards of product quality, with craftsmanship, research and innovation at the heart. Sàfilo’s Product School reflects our shared commitment in building such skills and values for future generations.”

During the program, students will experience the complete life cycle of product creation—from concept to completion. Apprentices will gain insider access as they work alongside experienced Sàfilo managers and specialists to cultivate expertise across all product functions including physical design, development, prototyping, manufacturing, materials, quality, pricing and selling. Based on global apprenticeship best practices, the curriculum will include on-the-job learning, classroom training and department rotations as well as an international assignment within Sàfilo’s worldwide operations.

 “The Product School reflects our commitment to eyewear product craftsmanship and innovation, and our commitment to its future. With it, we combine our past product tradition with masterful innovation forward, that future generations will create when given the opportunity to learn,” says Luisa Delgado, CEO of Sàfilo Group. “We aspire to give a sustainable contribution to the youth, our industry and region, reaching beyond our own company.”

With that in mind, 20/20 looks forward to this future generation of Artists of the Frame.

—Patrisha Holly Zabrycki