“They’ve packed a lifetime of experience and travel into just a few days,” says Julie Lombardi, a freelance designer who received a Two Ten scholarship to learn the art and science of footwear construction from Milan’s Ars Sutoria school.

Last month, Julie was among thirty students from all areas of the footwear industry who came to learn important, often overlooked ideas and techniques. These skills will help them create opportunities for footwear design and product innovation when they return to work.

The five-day immersive class is becoming increasingly popular with footwear companies who consistently show a commitment to strengthening their workforce. “We definitely want to invest in our team,” says Jaison Carter, a footwear developer at Vans who attended the class with a select group of co-workers, adding, “An educated employee is going to be a better employee.”

The Ars Sutoria program is one of the many ways that Two Ten helps to strengthen the footwear industry through education. Courses are offered twice a year in Waltham, MA. The next class will be starting on September 12, 2016. Learn more about Ars Sutoria or apply for a Two Ten Scholarship.

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