Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are vital to the future of the UK jewellery trade, nurturing skilled craftsmanship, design expertise, and technical knowledge among new entrants. These structured training programmes support independent jewellers, retailers, manufacturers, and workshops in building their talent pipelines and maintaining quality standards. Jewellery Focus provides detailed coverage of apprenticeship schemes—highlighting government initiatives, industry-accredited programmes, employer insights, and real-world case studies. Our reporting helps trade professionals understand qualification pathways, recruitment benefits, funding options, and best practice approaches to developing the next generation of jewellery talent.
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Apr- 2014 -1 AprilTrade Organisations
Gary Wroe elected as new BJA chairman
The British Jewellers’ Association (BJA) has appointed Gary Wroe as its new chairman. Wroe, who is managing director of Birmingham-based Hockley Mint, was elected by a vote of the BJA’s national committee late last week. He will succeed Gary Williams who steps down at the end of April. Speaking to Jewellery…
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Mar- 2014 -10 MarchAppointments
BJA to select new chairman as Jason Holt expands apprenticeships role
The British Jewellers’ Association (BJA) national committee is having to nominate and select a new chairman after Jason Holt, who was set to succeed Gary Williams in April, decided to turn down the position in favour of extending his work with the government’s apprenticeships initiative. Holt, who has been named…
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5 MarchCurrent Affairs
Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office named ‘apprenticeship trailblazer’
The Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office has been named by the government’s apprenticeships scheme as an ‘Apprenticeship Trailblazer’ for the craft sector. The announcement was made during the start of National Apprenticeship Week which began on March 3. The Goldsmiths’ Company Apprenticeship Programme currently enables individuals to train as hallmarkers in…
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3 MarchDesigners
Holts Academy announces new ‘industry responsive’ curriculum
Holts Academy has announced that it will be unveiling an array of new courses over the coming months. The new curriculum is designed to teach the skills that the industry needs now, and is the result of three years’ work and an industry wide survey undertaken by the Creative and…
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Oct- 2013 -2 OctoberEconomy
TK Maxx moves on jewellery market
Clothing retailer TK Maxx has arranged for hundreds of its staff to receive jewellery retail training ahead the launch of its new ‘jewellery counters’ at 15 stores across the UK. The fashion chain’s jewellery buyer, Lisa Hollidge, said: “We wanted to be able to offer our customers high quality, branded…
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Jun- 2013 -3 JuneEvents
The Skills Show calls for volunteers from the retail industry
The Skills Show is calling for businesses within the retail sector to encourage their employees to volunteer at its event this year, which will be held in Birmingham at the NEC from the 14 to 16 November.
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May- 2013 -30 MayNews
Birmingham Assay Office CEO to retire
It’s the end of an era for the jewellery industry, as chief executive and assay master of the Birmingham Assay Office, Michael Allchin, has announced he will be retiring in summer 2014.
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Apr- 2013 -2 AprilTrade Organisations
Holts Academy of Jewellery launches nationwide apprenticeship scheme
Holts Academy of Jewellery has announced the launch of its exclusive National Apprenticeship Programme.
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Aug- 2012 -31 AugustCurrent Affairs
Government to support SME apprenticeships following jeweller’s review
The Government has responded positively to a report looking into ways of encouraging small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) to take on more apprentices.
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14 AugustTrade Organisations
NAG to launch retail apprenticeship scheme
The National Association of Goldsmiths (NAG) is working with Skillsmart Retail to launch an apprenticeship scheme within the sector.
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