Training Future Jewellers and Silversmiths Programme: Open for Applications
The Goldsmiths’ Centre in London has opened applications for its fully-funded year-long skills training programme for future jewellers and silversmiths aged 16 to 19. Now in its 6th year, the Foundation Programme is unique to the UK and offers young people in London and the South East, who love crafting and working with their hands, the opportunity to receive expert training to kickstart their careers.
Taught by some of the UK’s leading practicing craftspeople, the Goldsmiths’ Centre’s Foundation Programme marks the first step onto an apprenticeship, university degree or job, enabling up to ten creative young people to develop traditional hand skills and real-world experience in a short period of time. With over 80% of trainees progressing into employment within the industry and the majority of these securing apprenticeships, the Foundation Programme demonstrates the impact and relevance of in-depth training in craft skills alongside the use of digital technologies, such as Computer Aided Design (CAD). Its alumni have gone on to receive industry recognition in more than 35 UK and international competitions, including the Goldsmiths Craft & Design Council Awards, WorldSkills UK, and Retail Jewellers’ 30 Under 30, among others.
Jordan Kippax, a 2017 Foundation Programme, and current diamond mounting apprentice at Theo Fennell Ltd, explains: “I’ve always been arty, and I paint in my free time, but I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do career-wise. So, when the time came to leave school one of teachers asked me what I wanted to do, and I said that I had always loved jewellery. It turns out my teacher had a friend who knew of the Goldsmiths’ Centre and they recommended the Foundation Programme to me.”
Chris Oliver, Head of Professional Training at the Goldsmiths’ Centre comments: “Our Foundation Programme students go through an intensive year of training with some of the leading names in the goldsmithing industry. Students develop an in-depth understanding of designing and making using a mix of traditional techniques and new technologies. Being part of the wider community of the Goldsmiths’ Centre also ensures that the relationships formed last well beyond the course and upon completion we continue to offer support and training throughout their apprenticeships.”
Applications for the Foundation Programme 2019/20 close on Sunday 5 May 2019. For more information and to apply visit
www.goldsmiths-centre.org/courses/foundation-programme or email professionaltraining@goldsmiths-centre.org