Ever thought of working with your hands or wanted to see your designs gracing a red carpet? Two major initiatives are transforming career options in the British jewellery industry.
New career pathways are opening up in the jewellery industry and some career changers have already seen their lives transformed. When 42 year old Sarah Herriot left her IT job in the City to take a course at Holts Academy of Jewellery, she could never have known that six years later she (and her Twisted Egg ring) would be the recipient of numerous industry awards.
The British jewellery industry dates back 500 years. But now a skills shortage and fierce competition from China mean its future is unclear. While more than 5000 Chinese jewellery manufacturers each employs between 300 and 3000 workers, one of the UK’s largest manufacturers only employs 100.
There’s good news though. Thanks to both the Holts Academy of Jewellery and the Goldsmiths Company, new career options abound. Holts Academy, in state of the art premises in London’s diamond district Hatton Garden is catering to burgeoning demand. Its pioneering jewellery diplomas, NVQs and (from 2012) and BA-equivalent qualifications accommodate four career tracks – jeweller or goldsmith; retail; designer maker; computer aided design. Holts also offers business support, mentors and subsidised workshops and gallery space.
Meanwhile, this autumn the new £17 million Goldsmiths Centre opens its doors at a restored 19th century building at the cusp of the City. It’s about to have a huge impact on a much smaller number of people – eight teenage apprentices and six postgraduates. It will also have workshop space for craftsmen just starting out, plus 19 workshops for established businesses.
If this sounds up your street, also check out this book – The Case For Working With Your Hands: Or Why Office Work Is Bad For Us And Fixing Things Feels Good.
Posted by Simon Broomer, Managing Director and Founder at CareerBalance Ltd
