The Goldsmiths’ Company expands apprenticeships outside of London for the first time in 700 years

On Wednesday 19th October 2022, we were very excited to welcome nine aspiring craftspeople to Goldsmiths’ Hall to mark the start of their Goldsmiths’ Company Apprenticeship at a Binding Ceremony. Along with being a momentous occasion for these young people, it is also an important moment for the Goldsmiths’ Company, who for the first time in its 700-year history has expanded its apprenticeship scheme beyond London and the South-East to the Midlands.

Delivered by the Goldsmiths’ Centre on behalf of the Goldsmiths’ Company, the scheme provides training and development opportunities for apprentices and support for employers that is vital in establishing the next generation of jewellers and silversmiths. This year’s cohort includes apprentice setters, and diamond mounters, an apprentice silversmith, an apprentice CAD/CAM designer and an apprentice hand engraver

Front Row Left to Right: Joseph Craddock (Hockley Mint), George Seymour (SVS Designs), Isabel Freeman (Sam James Engraving), Grace MacNamara (Ben Hawkins London), Daniel Rushby (Vipa Designs), Sofie MacEanruig (Weston Beamor), Kai Blu Triassi (Weston Beamor), Daniel James (David Marshall) and Idris Tetlow (Thomas Lyte).

Back Row Left to Right: Richard Agutter (Assistant), Ed Butler (Fourth Warden), The Lord Bridges (Prime Warden), Charles Mackworth-Young (Second Warden), Joanna Hardy (Trade Warden)
 

Gary Wroe, who has apprenticed Joseph Craddock as a diamond mounter at Hockley Mint, said: “The expansion of the Goldsmith apprenticeship scheme to the Midlands is a truly welcome step forward in the advancement of skills in the jewellery sector. Our apprentice is excited, keen and driven in his approach to the scheme and for us supporting his development will ensure the future growth in diamond mounting at our company.”

"It is a great honour and achievement to be a Goldsmiths’ Apprentice" said Daniel Rushby, apprenticed to VIPA Designs "and I look forward to expanding my skills and knowledge in the Jewellery Industry. It is exciting not only to be of the first apprentices outside of London, but also the first to specialise in CAD/CAM."


For employers who are interested in taking on an apprentice under the Goldsmiths’ Company Scheme more information can be found at www.goldsmiths-centre.org/courses/apprenticeships. For young people interested in starting out in the goldsmithing industry see the Goldsmiths’ Centre’s Foundation Programme or the Goldsmiths Company’s Apprenticeship Scheme.