New Icould.com films shine spotlight onto Apprentices working in Precious Metals
Careers charity icould.com has launched a new series of personal video stories that provide young people with career inspiration and information about working with precious metals. Those interviewed include qualified craftspeople based at the Goldsmiths’ Centre in Clerkenwell as well as young people, who are currently completing their apprenticeships in diamond mounting and jewellery design as part of The Goldsmiths’ Company Apprenticeship Scheme.
My Master is a really passionate and inspiring person and it makes you want to craft amazing things!
With over 16,000 jewellery industry related businesses in the UK and over 55,000 employees, there are substantial opportunities for young people to learn first-hand from an experienced craftsperson in a professional workshop and start a career as a goldsmith, silversmith or in the allied trades. The icould.com videos provide a practical insight into what it is like to be an Apprentice and what qualities are required to be an excellent craftsperson.
The Goldsmiths’ Company has been supporting apprenticeships since it foundation in the 14th century through The Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office and its membership. Today the practice continues through The Goldsmiths’ Company Apprenticeship Scheme, which is managed by the Goldsmiths’ Centre and funded by the Goldsmiths’ Company, and offers young people aged 16 to 24 the opportunity to start a career working with precious metals.
I felt like I had the full support of my boss and the boys in the workshop
Helen Stride, Goldsmiths’ Company Apprentice in Diamond Mounting working with jeweller Justin Richardson in Canterbury explains: “My apprenticeship is in diamond mounting, but I am lucky that I am very broad in what I am learning with Justin. I get to do a little bit of everything and he has inspired me to start thinking about whether I would want my own business or shop one day. My boss is an inspiring and passionate person and makes me want to do well and make amazing things.”
Ben Kerridge, Goldsmiths’ Company Apprentice in Diamond Mounting employed by Dominic Walmsley Jewellery: “I did the Foundation Programme and they start teaching you how to do the basics in engraving, enameling, setting, silversmithing and polishing with the best in the business teaching us. One day I want to be known as one of the best jewellers out there. If you want to do something, if you want to become an electrician or plumber, go to an apprenticeship because you will be naturally doing something rather than learning about it.”
Government backed apprenticeships in jewellery, silversmithing and the allied trades are also available through providers like Holts Academy. To find out more about career opportunities for young people visit icould.com and to register your interest for The Goldsmiths’ Company Apprenticeship Scheme, visit goldsmiths-centre.org
Watch the new films at: http://icould.com/stories/job-types/design-and-skilled-crafts
Notes to editors
About icould.com
icould.com is a careers charity providing free access to career inspiration and information for young people. From accountants to zoo-keepers, the site offers a first-hand view of jobs through over 1000 personal video stories, searchable by job type or subject. Other features include the Buzz Quiz, which offers a starting point for thinking about careers, plus practical tips, detailed Labour Market Information, and a resources section for teachers.
For further information, visit icould.com
About the Goldsmiths' Company
One of the Twelve Great Livery Companies of the City of London, The Goldsmiths’ Company received its first Royal Charter in 1327. The Company’s London Assay Office has been responsible since 1300 for testing the quality of precious metals. The Company is the principal patron of modern jewellers and silversmiths in the UK, continuing to play an important role in support of the craft, funding apprenticeships and assisting with the technical training of aspiring designer-makers. The Company supports a wide range of other charitable causes and pursues a number of educational projects with schools.
For more information, visit thegoldsmiths.co.uk
About the Goldsmiths' Centre
The Goldsmiths’ Centre is the leading charity for the professional training of goldsmiths. Founded by The Goldsmiths’ Company in 2007, it is a charitable enterprise with a specific purpose: “To advance, maintain and develop art, craft, design and artisan skills, including in particular but without limitation, those pertaining to goldsmithing.” It does this by
- Providing managed workspace, education and training for public benefit
- Fostering promoting and extending public interest in art, craft, design and artisan skills
- Providing a knowledge base and community for those engaged or interested in these skills
For further information, visit goldsmiths-centre.org