The Goldsmiths’ Centre Opens its Doors for Aspiring Jewellers to Discover Industry Training
The Goldsmiths’ Centre in London – the UK's national centre of excellence for learning, innovation and enterprise in the jewellery and silversmithing industries – is inviting aspiring jewellers to step inside its workshops this October discover its practical, industry-led Jewellery Foundation Programme, offering a vocational pathway into the UK jewellery industry.
Taking place on Wednesday 28 and Thursday 29 October 2026, the free Open Days, with further dates to be announced, will give prospective applicants the opportunity to experience the Goldsmiths’ Centre’s specialist training environment first-hand, meet members of its professional training team and learn more about the skills and behaviours employers are looking for across the jewellery trade.
Designed in collaboration with industry professionals and employers, the Jewellery Foundation Programme is a ten-month, full-time training programme for people aged 18 and over, developing technical jewellery-making and bench skills alongside the professional skills needed to pursue careers as jewellers, or progress into other skilled roles within the allied trades. With just ten spots available, the programme is designed primarily as a pathway into apprenticeships and entry-level roles, including opportunities to progress towards the Goldsmiths’ Company Apprenticeship Scheme.
The programme welcomes applicants from a wide range of backgrounds, regardless of their previous educational or professional experience. Rather than expecting applicants to arrive with established jewellery-making skills, the Goldsmiths’ Centre is looking for people who enjoy practical work, are curious about how things are made and have a flair for problem-solving, as well as the patience and motivation to develop the craftsmanship and technical skills needed for a career in the jewellery trade.
During the Open Days, visitors will tour the venue’s jewellery, silversmithing and specialist workshops and classrooms, gaining an insight into the tools, techniques and working environment they could encounter during their training. They will also have the opportunity to speak directly with the training team about the programme, the application process and the kinds of careers it can lead to.
“I believe strongly in vocational education as a bridge to fulfilling careers. The Jewellery Foundation Programme gives trainees the opportunity to develop practical, industry-focused skills while discovering and refining their own strengths. Our Open Days are a chance to come into the workshops, meet the team and understand what that training looks like in practice. By passing specialist skills and knowledge onto a new generation of craftspeople, the Goldsmiths’ Centre is helping to secure the future of jewellery and silversmithing while developing the skilled workforce the trade needs.”
– Lili Capelle, Vocational Curriculum Manager at the Goldsmiths’ Centre
The Jewellery Foundation Programme Open Days take place at the Goldsmiths’ Centre, 42 Britton Street, London EC1M 5AD, a five-minute walk from Farringdon station. Tours start at 11am and 2pm, with 25 free places available per session. Attendance is intended for people seriously considering applying to the programme.