14
Education
In Celebration of Success
The Jeweller
After far too many months of being unable to gather to acknowledge the achievements of JET graduates, the Goldsmiths’ Hall was once again the amazing setting for the NAJ Presentation of Awards.
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n 22nd November, the opulent Livery Hall, with its gold leafmoulded ceiling and crystal chandeliers, thrummed to the buzz of excitement as family, friends and industry gathered to celebrate with the latest cohort of NAJ JET graduates. The venue’s glamour together with the air of excitement underscores the importance that the Association, and the industry at large, places on the JET programme. The excellence of the courses is reflected in the exemplary service that member retailers are able to offer, thanks in a large part to the knowledge, professionalism and passion of JET graduate employees. On the night of the presentations, with addresses by NAJ Chair Gary Wroe, Deputy Chair Heather Callaway and President David Doyle, students were commended for their hard work, dedication and love of jewellery and our industry. Among those who received awards was Henrietta Mapplebeck, this year’s recipient of the Greenough Trophy, who works at Browns Family Jewellers in Harrogate. Singled out for special mention were the 12 students who were last year’s winners of the monthly Clarity & Success Awards. We then applauded the many students who had achieved Professional Jewellers’ Diploma, Certificate of Appraisal Theory (CAT), Jet Management Diploma and Institute of Registered Valuers’ Fellowship.
“Education is the basis and foundation of what the National Association of Jewellers is about. The awards really are the highlight of our year, with so many students being recognised for their efforts. Continual learning is key to being successful in all walks of life, and the NAJ has embraced training with the highly regarded JET programme. I was honoured to be in the presence of a cohort that has strived to improve their understanding of our wonderful industry. A huge congratulations to all those who worked so hard to complete and pass the various courses – well done.” Gary Wroe, NAJ Chair
