Interview with Johnny Walter, Director of the Academy of Crafts
Since 2013, the Academy of Crafts (AMA) has been offering a dynamic range of training in jewellery and jewellery. Having signed an agreement with theUnion compagnonniqueThe Académie des Métiers d'Art has ceased to strengthen its partnership. Its Director General, Johnny Walter, explains what links him to the Companion's values.
The Companion. What are the trades taught at WADA?
Johnny Walter. WADA devotes itself to all trades in jewellery and jewellery:
– Metal transformation.
– Manufacture of jewelry and fashion accessories.
– Polishing metal (to give a texture).
– Sterling of stones (incorporate stones in metal frames at all stages of the preparation of the jewel).
– Lapidary (cut and face gemstones to reveal them).
We also offer more specialized trainings but always related to the profession like that of designer working with software (CAO), 3D printing... Our offer also allows you to train in the trades of the sale, the setting in industry, the foundry (transformation of models into metal parts)...
Under our programme « Forward for Preserving », we work with the luxury industry and companies of stone (building), textile, glass, optics...
Could you briefly present your career path?
I am 44 years old and I count 18 years of professional activity in the service of continuing vocational training. I fell into the arts trades when I took over from a school specializing in metalworking with a specialization in jewellery and jewellery. This experiment lasted only two years but it was decisive for the future because I met with those who had a know-how which I could describe as being of a central nature.
How did your vocation come about?
I was able to observe those who make creations with a strong mobilisation of know-how. And I loved it. But the technique is not all. I discovered another love among these enthusiasts: to transmit, to teach, to allow the younger ones to grow, to build themselves in the love of doing. In the continuation of my career in continuing training, I wanted to preserve above all this value and dynamic of transmission. And a meeting changed everything, somehow...
Could you tell us more?
During this brief professional experience that I have just mentioned, I had the chance to meet the one who would become my partner in WADA, Frédérique Hagège. She naturally imposed herself with her energy and her experience of philanthropy with mentoring young people at the heart of her approach. It financed educational programs for the Accenture Foundation, such as public training in computer coding and digital trades. It has, for example, set up training schools in South-East Asia and programmes such as « A great school: why not me? » in France.
What motivated the creation of WADA?
Frédérique was specialized in the transmission of know-how. For my part, I had identified a major need at the level of art trades because most of the companies in this field are TPEs. However, TPEs have to produce with a tight flow, with few staff, which leaves little time for the transmission of techniques and know-how. On the other hand, we have the baby boom generation that retires over the years. There was therefore the need to develop a professional offer of accompaniment and transmission in the learning of the techniques required for the excellence of the craft. With Frédérique, our philosophy was clear: we wanted a useful, concrete, dynamic structure with a real societal impact. For my part, I'm surveying the arduous trails of regulation, an extremely moving area with new laws every 6 months. So we have to follow this aspect closely...
Why this partnership withUnion compagnonnique ?
I have already mentioned our love for the transmission of the trades of matter. This vocation naturally links us to theUnion compagnonnique because our structures offer spaces of life and transmission. The connection was therefore natural.
Companions are the custodians of know-how that has no price. They seek to transmit their profession in the best conditions in order to sustain it and contribute to the ancestral values of craftsmanship. This is a form of continuation of the workers' tradition.
WADA could pool its resources with the Union by welcoming young people attracted to our trades. We could do that. grouping together with « Companion spirit » and technical support specific to our skills. It can be said that WADA is a tool at the service of theUnion compagnonnique by strengthening its offer with short internships, For example.
When a young person reaches the end of his training course, he will bring to the world a beautiful gift: his know-how, his know-how and his ability to strengthen the meaning of his profession after having grown technically and professionally.
Could you describe the working environment within WADA?
We moved on September 1, 2025 but we always stay at the edge of the canal from Ourcq to Pantin (93). Today we have a plateau of 1200 m2 in a large building of several floors. This allows us to flourish with new rooms, a better exposure to natural light, a huge terrace enjoying a beautiful sunshine at the end of the day! We had the joy of developing our new trays with the help of the Compagnon Émilien Espuche and all our equipment containing the latest technical innovations for crimping.
We have the ability to train 10 young people in CAP Lapidaire on the same plateau: we do not have equivalent in Europe! Finally, at the workforce level, our team has grown: we have a teaching manager, a wellness manager, 10 additional stakeholders, a director of strategy and innovation... I say that our leadership team is well trained and shares our values.
The know-how deserves to be preserved and can also seduce young people from other trades. We want to make them live a part of life, an immersion in professional life with real kindness. Young people who leave our homes keep this with them as an inheritance. It's a way to try.
What steps can be taken to complete training?
To apply, you have to take it early because we have a huge demand for our graduate courses. As of March 16, 2026, we already count 160 requests for CAPs alone. It's not counting the higher degrees. For the year 2027, some courses are already complete at the enrolment level. So we have to get up early and show speed. But the Companions have the taste of effort, so I'm not very worried about those who are motivated...
On the WADA website, a page is dedicated to Aspirants or Companions of theUnion compagnonnique. If you want to propose a specific topic or deepen your knowledge in an area we have not developed, you can simply write to us at contact@lacademiedesmetiersdart.com
Site: www.lacademiedesmetiersdart.com
Photos © Laetitia d'Aboville
Interview collected and edited by Stéphane Lacombe
