BAJ launches new apprenticeship programme for jewellery businesses

The British Academy of Jewellery has announced the launch of a new apprenticeship programme to provide specialist training to budding jewellery industry workers and help jewellery businesses upskill their workforce.

According to BAJ, the new BAJ apprenticeship offering “is in line with the new standard for the Jewellery, Silversmithing and Allied Trades Professionals”.

BAJ said that the new standard “promotes a closer working relationship between employer and training provider”.

It also aims to encourage apprentices to pursue specialist pathways within the industry, which enables participating employers “to develop talent directly in line with the needs of their business”.

BAJ’s new round of apprenticeships will begin in September 2023 and will run at its London and Birmingham campuses.

Miranda Sharpe, BAJ’s apprenticeship coordinator, said: “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.

“Through a combination of training at BAJ and working with their employer, apprentices develop a broad set of skills to take to their roles. We feel very confident and passionate about preparing our future apprentices for successful careers in the jewellery industry and look forward to working with companies that share this goal.”

Sharjeel Nawaz, principal and chief executive at BAJ, added: “At the British Academy of Jewellery, we are excited to introduce this new apprenticeship standard to our offering.

“We are reaching out to the employer network and our local communities to showcase and highlight the many benefits of this apprenticeship and to encourage learners to take a different route to achieve their career ambitions in the jewellery industry.”