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APICCAPS welcomes talents from leading international universities

Jun 2, 2026 Portugal

The Portuguese Footwear Association is set to welcome students from the London College of Fashion and the Fashion Institute of Technology in June as part of an initiative to strengthen ties between the industry and the academia

Next month, Portugal will welcome students from two of the world’s most prestigious fashion and design schools, the London College of Fashion and the Fashion Institute of Technology, in an initiative supported by Compete 2030.

This initiative forms part of APICCAPS’ ongoing efforts to bridge the gap between academia and business, facilitating direct contact between young talent and companies in Portugal's footwear and leather goods industry.

During the visit, students will have the opportunity to explore factories producing footwear, components and leather goods, as well as technology centres. This will give them first-hand insight into the production process and the innovation and expertise that distinguish Portuguese footwear in international markets.

Cláudia Pinto emphasises the importance of the connection between industry and academia in encouraging new ideas and preparing the sector for future challenges. She also highlights that the “contact with internationally recognised students is an opportunity to showcase the very best that is being done in Portugal”.

For APICCAPS, this approach is a way of creating new opportunities, both in terms of creativity and product development, as well as in building future partnerships with designers, researchers and leading educational institutions.

“The Portuguese footwear industry has a great deal to teach, but also much to learn from younger generations”, says APICCAPS’ Communications Director. “These visits are an opportunity to share knowledge and inspire talents who may, in the future, collaborate with our companies”.

In recent years, the Portuguese footwear sector has invested heavily in innovation, sustainability and qualification, strengthening its position as an international benchmark through the combination of tradition, technology and design.

By welcoming students from the London College of Fashion and the Fashion Institute of Technology, APICCAPS seeks to reaffirm its commitment to building bridges between academia and industry, helping to ensure that ‘Made in Portugal’ continues to be synonymous with creativity, quality and a forward-looking vision.

Image Credits: portugueseshoes.pt

Portugal APICCAPS Education & Training Organisations Portuguese Shoes Strategy