Jewellery Foundation Programme: Training for a Career in the Jewellery Trade

The curriculum has been developed in collaboration with employers and industry professionals to ensure graduates leave with the technical skills, professional behaviours and practical experience valued by today's jewellery businesses.

You'll develop the technical, professional and transferable skills needed to succeed in a professional jewellery workshop and progress into employment within the industry. Alongside technical skills, you'll cultivate the professional behaviours expected by employers, including communication, teamwork, time management, problem-solving and the ability to receive and act on feedback.

The programme includes:

• Professional workshop practice and bench skills.
• Technical jewellery-making and manufacturing skills.
• Problem solving and precision metalwork.
• Working to professional and commercial standards.
• Receiving and responding to feedback.
• Collaboration and communication in a professional environment.
• Understanding production methods and industry expectations.
• Building a portfolio that demonstrates technical ability and craftsmanship.

Your work will be seen by industry professionals, potential employers, and more.

The Jewellery Foundation Programme is workshop based and covers:

• Fine jewellery.
• Gemstone setting.
• 2D design and drawing.
• Computer Aided Design (CAD) /Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM).
• Product development.
• Precision metalwork and quality control.
• Metallurgy and gemmology.
• Embellishment and smallwork.
• Production and repairs.
• Contextual and creative studies. 
• Personal and professional development.

The Jewellery Foundation Programme is designed primarily as a route into employment within the jewellery industry.

The majority of our graduates progress into apprenticeships and entry-level industry roles, working alongside experienced craftspeople in areas such as goldsmithing, gemstone setting, CAD/CAM, diamond mounting, polishing and production.

This programme is built on the belief that learning from others, contributing to established businesses and continuing to develop your skills in a professional workshop environment are some of the best ways to begin a successful career in jewellery.

Further and higher education opportunities are also available for some graduates, but employment and apprenticeship pathways remain the programme's primary focus.

Enthusiasm and Patience
We are not looking for finished jewellers. We are looking for future professionals.

The Jewellery Foundation Programme rewards patience, perseverance and attention to detail. You'll spend many hours practising and refining techniques until they meet professional standards. If you enjoy making things, solving practical problems and take pride in doing something well, you'll thrive through this programme.

While creativity plays an important role in jewellery making, the primary focus of the programme is developing technical excellence and preparing you for employment within the jewellery industry. The programme does not cover topics such as starting a jewellery business, brand development or entrepreneurship.

Throughout the year, students work together on the same projects and are taught to industry standards. Unlike many creative courses, students work together on shared projects and learn to manufacture the same pieces to professional standards. This approach allows you to focus on mastering techniques, understanding manufacturing processes and developing the precision required by employers across the jewellery industry.

Commitment level
Keep in mind that the Jewellery Foundation Programme is a full-time year-long commitment. It takes place 5 days a week, 9am to 5pm at the Goldsmiths’ Centre. If you’re thinking about moving onto an apprenticeship afterwards, that’s another four-year commitment. Make sure you’re ready for that level of dedication. If you're up for the challenge and excited to be part of a team, we can’t wait to meet you!

This programme is for people who:

• want a career in the jewellery industry.
• enjoy practical, workshop-based learning.
• are motivated by technical excellence and craftsmanship.
• are interested in apprenticeships or entry-level industry roles.
• are willing to commit to intensive, full-time vocational training.
• enjoy learning through repetition and practice.
• are excited by craftsmanship, manufacturing and how things are made.

This programme may not be suitable if you are primarily interested in:

• launching your own jewellery business.
• developing an independent jewellery collection.
• studying contemporary jewellery design.
• pursuing an entrepreneurial or brand-led pathway.