We recently discussed the newest members of the LEGO Certified Professionals (LCP) program (see: Three New LEGO Certified Professionals), and I have been getting quite a few questions about it. While there is some information about the program on LEGO’s website, it’s not very elaborate. However, recently there has been a very interesting article about the LEGO Ambassador Network, giving more information about the LCP program. If you’re interested, read on.
➡ LCP PROGRAM HISTORY – The LEGO Certified Professional program has been around for 12 years, and currently counts 20 LEGO Certified Professionals globally. Today LCPs are only admitted into the program if their business can help solve a specific business need for a local LEGO office. The LCP program is divided into a 1-2 year entry program where the LCP and the local LEGO office get to know each other. If the working relation is a success, the LCP is moved into the actual LCP program.
➡ WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A LCP? – All LCPs have businesses which allows them to work for the LEGO Group, third parties, and on their own projects and exhibitions. They can use the LCP logo which show affiliation to the LEGO Group, and LEGO even passes on third party requests to them.
➡ WHAT DOES AN LCP DO FOR THE LEGO GROUP? – Historically, the LEGO Group used LCPs to build 3D LEGO models. In the last few years though, the demand has been changing to also cover other business areas. One example is Wei Wei (PlayableDesign.com) from China, who is working with LEGO China’s local community and social responsibility team to teach “learning through play”. The program facilitates learning in young children to improve their creativity, educational careers, and life chances. Another example is Ryan McNaught (TheBrickMan.com) from Australia. He is working on the Australian LEGO Masters show, where building LEGO models is only part of his job, as he is also supporting the show backstage (designing contests, etc.) and in front of the camera as a judge on the show.
➡ WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BECOME AN LCP? – Due to the dynamic nature of the LCP program, LEGO is unable to provide a definitive checklist for people who would be interested to participate. In addition, because the LCP program is constantly changing, it would be difficult to predict future criteria. However, here is a list of current requirements to give you an idea:
- Enthusiasm for the LEGO brick and building system
- Working business model and ability to organize and drive building projects and/or events
- Strong business plan and match with the need of the local LEGO office
- Strong collaboration skills and personal dedication to core LEGO values
- Professional approach towards other LEGO fans and the broader public
- You need to be a business owner or in the process of becoming a business owner working with the LEGO brick as part of your product/services.
- The LCP position is country specific and the recruited LCP needs to live and work in the same country as the local LEGO office looking to recruit an LCP.
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It seems like there are a lot of restrictions. Are they able to get pieces in bulk or get other benefits?
Is Bright Bricks still on the list? I don’t see them.
I think I read somewhere that they are no longer part of the program, but I could be wrong.
On the one hand, this sounds like an amazing business, on the other hand, it sounds very stressful. I would love to work for lego, but perhaps its best to keep it as a hobby.