The Goldsmiths’ Company expands apprenticeships outside of London for the first time in 700 years
Today, The Goldsmiths’ Company welcomed nine aspiring craftspeople, along with their friends and families, to Goldsmiths’ Hall to mark the start of their Goldsmiths’ Company Apprenticeship. Along with being a pivotal moment in these young people’s careers, today’s ceremony was of great significance to the Goldsmiths’ Company, which with this cohort of apprentices, marked the expansion of its Apprenticeship Scheme to areas outside of London and the South-East for the first time in 700-years.
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)
“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’ Company Apprentice, 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.”