This week, the 17th annual National Apprenticeships Week is underway, drawing attention to the significant contribution apprenticeships make to the evolution of businesses across various sectors.
Among those recognising the importance of apprenticeships is the British Academy of Jewellery (BAJ), whose Jewellery Apprenticeship offering stands as a testament to the industry’s commitment to nurturing talent and enhancing skill sets.
BAJ’s Apprenticeship Programme
The BAJ has developed a comprehensive Jewellery Apprenticeship programme aligned with the new Standard for Jewellery, Silversmithing, and Allied Trades Professionals. This initiative fosters a synergistic relationship between employers and the training provider and addresses the industry’s urgent need for specialised skills. By enabling apprentices to explore specific pathways, businesses can effectively tackle skill shortages within their operations, ensuring a pipeline of well-trained and motivated workers.
Miranda Sharpe, the Apprenticeship Coordinator at BAJ, emphasises the programme’s role in nurturing industry talent: “The Apprenticeship programme is a fantastic way to bring new talent into the industry and ensure the skills needed within the trade are developed and passed on,” she states. Through a blend of in-house training at BAJ’s state-of-the-art workshops and practical experience with employers, apprentices acquire a wide-ranging skill set, equipping them for successful careers in jewellery making.
Two-Year Comprehensive Curriculum
The apprenticeship spans two years, encompassing a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip participants with the requisite knowledge and skills. The initial year focuses on the Level 3 Jewellery Design and Manufacturing programme, laying a solid foundation for apprentices to build upon. Subsequently, in the second year, apprentices delve deeper into the intricacies of jewellery-making, honing their craft while concurrently gaining invaluable real-world experience within their respective workplaces.
Ensuring Competency and Readiness
As the programme draws to a close, a rigorous assessment ensures that apprentices have acquired the core competencies essential for success in their chosen career paths. This meticulous evaluation underscores BAJ’s commitment to producing highly skilled and motivated professionals poised to excel in the dynamic landscape of the jewellery industry.
Miranda Sharpe, BAJ’s Apprenticeship Coordinator, highlights the programme’s significance, stating, “The Apprenticeship programme is a fantastic way to bring new talent into the industry and ensure the skills needed within the trade are developed and passed on.” Her sentiments underscore the programme’s pivotal role in fostering a new generation of adept jewellery professionals.
Opportunities for Prospective Apprentices and Employers
BAJ’s forthcoming round of Apprenticeships, slated to commence in September 2024 across its London and Birmingham campuses, presents an opportune moment for aspiring apprentices and prospective employers to engage with the programme. Interested parties are encouraged to seize this opportunity and initiate the enrollment process well in advance, with enrollment continuing until all available slots are filled.
The Academy has reported strong interest from learners in its Apprenticeship programme, indicating a healthy demand for training and development opportunities within the jewellery sector. Businesses interested in learning more about how they can participate in this initiative are encouraged to contact info@baj.ac.uk.
For individuals aspiring to enter the jewellery industry through an apprenticeship, the BAJ highlights the requirement to find an employer willing to provide a minimum of 30 hours of employment per week. This stipulation underscores the commitment needed from both parties to ensure a fruitful apprenticeship experience.
For those interested in learning more about BAJ’s apprenticeship opportunities or in becoming an apprentice, reaching out to the British Academy of Jewellery is the first step towards fostering a bright future for both individuals and the industry at large.
