The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), along with global lifestyle brand Complex, has announced the launch of Sneaker Essentials, a first-of-its-kind online programme, developed by Qubed Education, a New York-based edtech startup, and designed to introduce the next generation of leaders to career paths within the US $55 billion global sneaker industry.
The programme explores all aspects of the industry—including design, manufacturing, marketing, merchandising, media, and retail to help students and young professionals connect their passion for sneakers to educational experiences and career opportunities.The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), along with global lifestyle brand Complex, has announced the launch of Sneaker Essentials, a first-of-its-kind online programme, developed by Qubed Education, a New York-based edtech startup, and designed to introduce the next generation of leaders to career paths within the US $55 billion global sneaker industry.#
Sneaker Essentials is offered through FIT’s centre for continuing and professional studies. The programme is made up of six courses and includes over 30 hours of instruction, led by FIT faculty, complex editors and hosts, and many industry experts who are at the intersection of business and sneaker culture. They include contributors from Nike, Adidas, and numerous sneaker industry influencers. The curriculum, designed by FIT faculty, takes students through the history and culture of the sneaker industry, and provides insight into career fields such as design, manufacturing and production, distribution and retail, marketing strategy, and media. Students who successfully complete the programme will receive a certificate of completion from FIT.
Sarah Mullins, chair of the accessories design programme at FIT said, “The sneaker industry today is booming on a global scale, with the market driven by millennial demand. This programme is designed to translate that passion for sneakers into real-world knowledge and skills that open doors to meaningful career pathways, and FIT’s outstanding accessories design programme is extremely well positioned to lead the next generation into the industry.”
The fully online programme was developed by Qubed Education that partners with top universities and major brands like Columbia University and Conde Nast to create career discovery courses linked to fast-growing industries, including fashion, beauty, and sports.
Jack Erwin, general manager of content for Complex said, “Complex has always been at the forefront of sneaker culture, and we also pride ourselves on being inclusive and opening doors for creative people. Sneaker Essentials provides a chance for passionate learners to hear directly from true leaders in the sneaker media industry, including Joe La Puma, Gerald Flores, and Richard Lopez.”
Rob Kingyens, president and CEO of Qubed Education said, “Our mission is to provide fun, engaging opportunities for the next generation of talent to explore career paths that are aligned to their passions in growing industries. Students enrolled in the programme will not only have the opportunity to learn from leading academics and industry experts from top sneaker brands, they’ll also walk away with a certificate from a globally-recognised college.” (GK)
Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India
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