Saphir Partners with the School of Repair

At a time when craftsmanship and manual skills are regaining the recognition they deserve, Saphir is proud to support the School of Repair, an initiative launched by Veja to train a new generation of professionals in the repair, transformation, and restoration of everyday objects.

Located in Roubaix, in the former Tissel textile factory, the School of Repair offers an innovative training programme open to anyone aged 18 and over, with no academic qualifications required. Students are also employed under a paid work contract, providing a practical solution to the difficulties many candidates face when seeking apprenticeships in skilled trades. The school offers training in around fifteen professions, including shoe repair, leather goods craftsmanship, fashion design, textile design, and garment alteration. This initiative fully reflects a commitment to combating overconsumption while promoting a more sustainable and responsible economy.

As part of this partnership, Saphir recently took part in several training sessions held in Roubaix. These sessions gave participants the opportunity to discover and put into practice a range of techniques related to leather care, leather restoration, and sneaker care.

A visit to Saphir's manufacturing facility in Magnac-Lavalette, in the Charente region of France, was also organised. This immersive experience enabled participants to discover the entire manufacturing process behind Saphir products, from product development to production, while meeting our teams and learning more about the technical expertise and craftsmanship involved on a daily basis.

The visit was designed to strengthen the connection between vocational training and the industrial world by providing a concrete insight into manufacturing professions and production standards. Through this partnership, Saphir reaffirms its commitment to preserving and passing on traditional know-how, promoting skilled crafts, and encouraging more sustainable patterns of consumption.