Jewellery Foundation Programme: Start Your Career in the Jewellery Trade
The Jewellery Foundation Programme is an intensive, industry-led vocational training programme for people at the beginning of their working lives who want to build a professional future in the UK jewellery industry.
If you are seeking your first professional opportunity in the trade, enjoy practical work and are motivated by technical excellence, the Goldsmiths' Centre's programme will help you develop the hand skills, professional behaviours and industry understanding needed to progress towards an apprenticeship or junior role.
Over ten months of full-time training, you will learn alongside experienced craftspeople and industry specialists, practise traditional skills and modern production methods, and gain insight into how professional jewellery businesses operate.
Full-time. 10 months, including a two-week winter break and a two-week spring break.
Programme Dates: 6 September 2027 - 29 June 2028, Mon to Friday, 9am - 5pm. Some visits, events or activities may take place in the evening.
Location: In person at the Goldsmiths’ Centre (EC1M 5AD, London)
Tuition: There is no tuition fee for students accepted onto the programme.
Places / Age: 10 students. You must be aged 18 over when the programme begins.
Applications close: Tue 4 May 2027, 5pm
Interview dates: Tue 8 and Wed 9 June 2027
Like to know more? Register your interest below to be the first to hear about upcoming Open Days, know when applications open and receive exclusive updates. For more information and to talk to our team, call 020 7566 7650 or email us at applications@goldsmiths-centre.org
What you will learn?
The curriculum is informed by employers and industry professionals. Learning is practical, progressive and workshop based. You will work on shared technical projects, industry-endorsed briefs and work experience, developing accuracy, consistency, teamwork and the disciplined practice expected in professional workshops.
Subjects may include:
fine jewellery and core bench manufacture
gemstone setting
precision metalwork, accurate measurement and quality control
polishing, production, repairs and small-work
wax modelling, embellishment, metallurgy and gemmology
2D design, drawing and technical communication
computer-aided design and manufacturing, including CAD, CAM and 3D printing
product development, contextual studies and professional presentation
Alongside technical ability, you will develop communication, teamwork, time management, problem-solving and the ability to receive and act on constructive feedback.
As a maker, it all comes down to the foundation you set early on. I can attribute pretty much everything that I've been able to do for my career, from the beginning to this point, to what I've learnt and who I've met at the Goldsmiths' Centre.
Hugo Johnson, Foundation Programme alumnus and Winner of BBC 2's "All That Glitters" Series 1
FAQs
We are not looking for finished jewellers. We are looking for future professionals who understand that technical skill develops through careful practice, repetition and feedback.
The programme could be right for you if you:
want to begin a professional career in the jewellery trade
enjoy practical, workshop-based learning and solving problems
take pride in making things carefully and accurately
are willing to repeat a task and use feedback to improve
are interested in an apprenticeship or junior industry role
can commit to intensive, full-time training for ten months
The programme is not designed as a hobby course or primarily as a route into brand development, entrepreneurship or launching an independent jewellery collection.
The programme is designed primarily as a route into apprenticeships and junior roles. Graduates may pursue opportunities in areas such as goldsmithing, diamond mounting, gemstone setting, polishing, production and CAD or CAM. Some graduates choose further or higher education. The programme will help you understand and pursue suitable opportunities, but completing it does not guarantee a job or apprenticeship. Securing a position or further training remains each student's responsibility.
How to apply
Read the Jewellery Foundation Programme Applicant Guide and application FAQs
Complete the online application form.
Answer the six applicant statement questions and submit your portfolio by the published deadline.
If shortlisted, attend a compulsory Selection Day at the Goldsmiths' Centre
Your portfolio does not need to contain jewellery. It should help us understand how you think, make, solve problems and learn. Your applicant statement should explain your motivation, why this route is right for you and what shows that you are ready for intensive practical training.
Entry requirements
You can apply if you:
will be aged 18 or over when the programme begins
already have the right to live and study in the United Kingdom for the full duration of the programme
live in the United Kingdom or can relocate to London or the South East for the duration of the programme
can attend from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, for ten months, including occasional evenings where required
hold GCSE grades 9 to 4, or equivalent, in Mathematics and English, or can provide suitable evidence through non-standard qualifications
can demonstrate practical potential through a portfolio of 2D, 3D or other making work
The Goldsmiths' Centre is not a licensed student sponsor and cannot provide student visas. Relocation costs are not covered by Support Grants.
Still have questions? Our Application FAQs
For current information, application links and updates, use this programme webpage. For questions, contact applications@goldsmiths-centre.org or call 020 7566 7650
Register your interest to hear when applications open, receive details of upcoming Open Days and get programme updates.
Before applying, please read the applicants guide and Application FAQs.