Press Office Contact:
Isabel Keim, 020 7566 7650
[email protected]
Thu 7 July 2016
PRESS RELEASE
NEW ICOULD.COM FILMS SHINE SPOTLIGHT ONTO
APPRENTICES WORKING WITH PRECIOUS METALS
Careers charity icould.com has launched a new series of personal video stories that
provide young people with career inspiration and information about working with
precious metals. Those interviewed include qualified craftspeople based at the
Goldsmiths’ Centre in Clerkenwell as well as young people, who are currently
completing their apprenticeships in diamond mounting and jewellery design as part of
The Goldsmiths’ Company Apprenticeship Scheme.
With over 16,000 jewellery industry related businesses in the UK and over 55,000
employees, there are substantial opportunities for young people to learn first-hand
from an experienced craftsperson in a professional workshop and start a career as a
goldsmith, silversmith or in the allied trades. The icould.com videos provide a practical
insight into what it is like to be an Apprentice and what qualities are required to be an
excellent craftsperson.
The Goldsmiths’ Company has been supporting apprenticeships since it foundation in
the 14th century through The Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office and its membership.
Today the practice continues through The Goldsmiths’ Company Apprenticeship
Scheme, which is managed by The Goldsmiths’ Centre and funded by The
Goldsmiths’ Company, and offers young people aged 16 to 24 the opportunity to start
a career working with precious metals.
Helen Stride, Goldsmiths’ Company Apprentice in Diamond Mounting working with
jeweller Justin Richardson in Canterbury explains: “My apprenticeship is in diamond
mounting, but I am lucky that I am very broad in what I am learning with Justin. I get to
do a little bit of everything and he has inspired me to start thinking about whether I
would want my own business or shop one day. My boss is an inspiring and passionate
person and makes me want to do well and make amazing things.”
Ben Kerridge, Goldsmiths’ Company Apprentice in Diamond Mounting employed by
Dominic Walmsley Jewellery: “I did the Foundation Programme and they start
teaching you how to do the basics in engraving, enameling, setting, silversmithing and
polishing with the best in the business teaching us. One day I want to be known as
one of the best jewellers out there. If you want to do something, if you want to become
an electrician or plumber, go to an apprenticeship because you will be naturally doing
something rather than learning about it.”
Government backed apprenticeships in jewellery, silversmithing and the allied trades
are also available through providers like Holts Academy. To find out more about
career opportunities for young people visit icould.com and to register your interest for
The Goldsmiths’ Company Apprenticeship Scheme, visit goldsmiths-centre.org
Watch the new films at: http://icould.com/stories/job-types/design-and-skilled-crafts
Notes to editors
About icould.com
icould.com is a careers charity providing free access to career inspiration and
information for young people. From accountants to zoo-keepers, the site offers a firsthand view of jobs through over 1000 personal video stories, searchable by job type or
subject. Other features include the Buzz Quiz, which offers a starting point for thinking
about careers, plus practical tips, detailed Labour Market Information, and a resources
section for teachers.
About The Goldsmiths’ Company
One of the Twelve Great Livery Companies of the City of London, The Goldsmiths’ Company
received its first Royal Charter in 1327. The Company’s London Assay Office has been
responsible since 1300 for testing the quality of precious metals. The Company is the principal
patron of modern jewellers and silversmiths in the UK, continuing to play an important role in
support of the craft, funding apprenticeships and assisting with the technical training of aspiring
designer-makers. The Company supports a wide range of other charitable causes and pursues
a number of educational projects with schools. For more information, visit
www.thegoldsmiths.co.uk
About The Goldsmiths’ Centre
The Goldsmiths’ Centre is the leading charity for the professional training of goldsmiths.
Founded by The Goldsmiths’ Company in 2007, it is a charitable enterprise with a specific
purpose: “To advance, maintain and develop art, craft, design and artisan skills, including in
particular but without limitation, those pertaining to goldsmithing.” It does this by
 Providing managed workspace, education and training for public benefit
 Fostering promoting and extending public interest in art, craft, design and artisan skills
 Providing a knowledge base and community for those engaged or interested in these skills
For further information on The Goldsmiths’ Centre, visit www.goldsmiths-centre.org