From Apprentice to EC One: Jos Skeates on the Role of Mentorship in Shaping the next Generation of Skilled Jewellers

The Jewellery Foundation Programme is a vital stepping stone for aspiring jewellers, providing essential skills and hands-on experience before participants enter formal apprenticeships. Jos, himself a graduate of the Goldsmiths' Company’s Apprenticeship Scheme, values this progression - from foundation to apprenticeship - as crucial for the continuity of traditional skills and the growth of the next generation of jewellers. In 2024, Jos was appointed to the Court of Assistants of the Goldsmiths’ Company and joined the Goldsmiths’ Centre’s Trustees, marking a significant milestone in his career as a jeweller and mentor. Many of his apprentices, including his current protégé Gemma, are products of the Jewellery Foundation Programme, underscoring its vital role in shaping the future of the jewellery industry.

As an employer, Jos recognises the importance of apprenticeships, offering individuals the chance to work closely with experienced goldsmiths, learning skills that are passed down through generations. He has seen first-hand the transformative impact of such training, not just in terms of technical abilities but also in instilling the discipline and motivation necessary to thrive in a competitive, creative industry. His own journey – from apprentice to founder of a respected business – underscores the value of such programmes in shaping the careers of those who go on to push the boundaries of design and craftsmanship.

In a recent interview, we delve into Jos Skeates’ career, his philosophy on mentorship, and how the Goldsmiths' Centre’s training pathways are setting the stage for a new generation of jewellers to carry forward the legacy of excellence within the industry.

My name is Jos Skeates. I am the founder and Managing Director of EC One, a jewellery retail and manufacturing business based in Clerkenwell - hence the name, as it’s our postcode. I’ve been a goldsmith and designer for 37 years, so it’s been quite a long journey.

The Goldsmiths' Centre is important because it acts as a hub in the heart of the jewellery quarter. It’s a place where we make jewellery, buy supplies, and connect with skilled professionals. The Centre has been invaluable to us over the last decade, offering opportunities to collaborate with talented individuals, including students trained there. 

My current apprentice, Gemma, is the third apprentice I’ve taken on. Apprenticeships are a path I deeply understand, having been an apprentice myself. It’s a rewarding process that allows us to nurture talent and teach skills that aren’t easily accessible elsewhere. After completing the Jewellery Foundation Programme, individuals have basic skills but remain open to learning. This balance is crucial, as it ensures they’re teachable while still bringing some knowledge to the table. 

When I did my apprenticeship in the late 1980s, the experience was similar to what it is today. Skills are passed on directly from master to apprentice, often through verbal instruction. It’s a unique method of learning, and these techniques aren’t something you can pick up from YouTube or books. The skills are centuries old, and it’s vital to keep them alive through this hands-on approach. 

For example, my master would critique my work, guiding me on what to improve. This process of direct mentorship is irreplaceable. It’s satisfying to know that these skills, which I learned in this way, can now be passed on to someone else. My first apprentice now runs her own workshop and is passing on these same skills. Similarly, my workshop manager is teaching Gemma, ensuring the knowledge continues to flow through generations. 

The jewellery industry is constantly changing, though not always in a bad way. Over the past 10 years, there’s been renewed interest in how things are made, which is incredibly helpful. There’s a growing focus on skills and handmade craftsmanship. A decade ago, this was somewhat hidden, but now there’s much more transparency, allowing people to appreciate what happens behind the scenes and who’s making their jewellery.

Taking on apprentices does come with challenges. It requires time and patience, as well as a willingness to sacrifice immediate profit for the sake of teaching. But in the long run, the investment pays off. While it’s possible to hire someone already skilled, there’s something uniquely rewarding about nurturing talent and seeing them grow into capable professionals who can create beautiful work consistently. 

The training at the Goldsmiths' Centre distinguishes itself by offering a broad range of skills, from enamelling to CAD design and stone setting. Students gain a glimpse into various aspects of the industry, which provides a solid foundation. They may not leave as experts in any one area, but they’re ready to learn and adapt. 

What matters most in an apprentice is their attitude - the willingness to listen, take instruction, and translate guidance into tangible results. Skills can be taught, but motivation and discipline are what truly set someone apart. For example, the ability to focus on a small object for weeks without getting frustrated is essential. 

There’s a definite adjustment period when apprentices move from training into a professional workshop. The workday is longer, often involving monotonous but essential tasks. It can be challenging, but this discipline is vital for success. While creating masterpieces is the dream, the reality is that repetitive work often pays the bills. 

The traditional apprenticeship model has been around for centuries, and its value hasn’t diminished. It’s a privilege to pass on these skills and see apprentices flourish, knowing they can build careers and livelihoods through what they’ve learned.

Sometimes, you discover that apprentices have a particular talent or skill that surpasses your own. It’s surprising and lovely to witness. For example, I’m not great at beading - those tiny wire and bead details - but both Millie and Sharon excel at it. They’ve become incredibly skilful, and I admire them for it. It’s a joy to see someone grow into their own craftsperson, excelling in their unique way. Sharon, for instance, has gone on to work for others and has truly blossomed. It’s wonderful to see their growth and success, though occasionally, I think, "I’d like to try that too."

Millie, for example, is far better than me at resizing rings seamlessly. Sometimes, she’ll ask me to help, and I’ll admit, “You’ll probably do it better.” But then, there are moments when I impress her with something I’ve done, and it’s a great exchange of skills and respect. It’s all about finding your own aptitudes and celebrating them. It’s these individual skills that make working together so rewarding. It’s all about finding the time, patience, and environment to let those abilities shine.

The Jewellery Foundation Programme is instrumental in helping people discover their talents. Often, participants think their skills are ordinary until they work alongside others. Suddenly, they realise what they’re exceptional at. For instance, one might struggle with hammering but excel at enamelling. The programme provides that space to explore and identify strengths, which can shape their future in the industry.

Many who come through the Jewellery Foundation Programme or apprenticeships weren’t academically inclined. They’ve often been led to believe they weren’t good at anything. That’s the biggest lie of education: that using your hands is somehow less valuable than academic pursuits. In reality, master craftspeople are often the smartest in the room. One of my team members, for instance, achieved better A-level results than her twin sister, who became a vet. Yet, she’s become a master goldsmith.

It’s all about how intelligence is applied - whether with your hands or your mind. I once worked with someone who would visualise an entire piece in their head before even picking up a tool. It was fascinating to watch, and their work was always exceptional. This kind of spatial thinking is rare but invaluable in our field.

However, it’s clear that fewer people today possess strong spatial skills. For example, some can’t interpret a floor plan or visualise 3D models. A colleague of mine in construction noted how this has changed dramatically over the years. Previously, only a small percentage struggled with such tasks; now, it’s the majority. It raises questions about how we’re educating and consuming information in modern times.

Even something as simple as using a traditional map, like an A-Z, has become a lost skill. This shift highlights the importance of teaching practical, hands-on skills - whether it’s navigation or jewellery-making. There’s a real joy in these tactile, creative processes, and they deserve as much recognition as any academic achievement.