Industry panel to set jewellery manufacturing apprenticeship standard

Chaired by Gary Wroe, managing director of Birmingham manufacturer Hockley Mint, the panel has been established in reaction to the new Institute of Apprenticeships, launched in January, and the introduction of the employer’s apprentice levy to support costs.

The panel is supported by the National Association of Jewellers, The Goldsmiths’ Company and the British Academy of Jewellery, and will be charged with agreeing both the new standard and its “end point assessment” with the Institute of Apprenticeships.

Wroe said: “The new jewellery manufacturing standard represents an opportunity to reshape how apprenticeships are delivered in our sector. The change in emphasis from a provider (education)-based model to one that is truly led by employers is immensely significant.

“This will mean for the first time in many years that the people paying the wages of apprentices will have control of the training they receive on the job.”

A number of business leaders have already been recruited but contributions are sought from across the sector and country. The NAJ is coordinating the process and anyone interested should contact the NAJ’s director of education, Kate Madelin, by April 19 via Kate.madelin@naj.co.uk.

Madelin said: “It is an open and inclusive process. The employer panel would welcome input from all those who feel they have a contribution to make to developing a robust and effective standard.”