Education

In Celebration of Success

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.

On 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.”

“After four successful, rewarding years as chair of the NAJ’s education group, it’s with great sadness that, due to my additional commitments as NAJ vice chair, I’ve recently stepped down from this role. During my tenure, I’ve been fortunate enough to work with the Education Steering Group volunteers and NAJ staff team, to support and improve the content and delivery of our industryleading JET courses into the industryrecognised qualifications that they are today.

“JET courses are constantly updated with the latest industry professional developments and comply with the necessary criteria to continue to be nationally accredited qualifications. They are THE passport qualifications to support you through your jewellery education journey and careers, and there’s a course that can support whichever career path you may choose.

“The Education Presentation of Awards is the highlight of the year for all of us at the NAJ and the Steering Group; we celebrate with you, our students, your achievements in the sumptuous surroundings of the Goldsmiths’ Hall.”

Heather Callaway, NAJ Vice Chair

The Greenough Trophy

2018's Greenough Trophy winner Amanda Williams, Mappin & Webb “We’re so proud to be the sponsors of the Jet Awards. Their importance in the education of our future jewellery stars cannot be overestimated, and that our own industry mentors guide the newcomers through their courses is fantastic. We are staunch advocates of training and education and the benefits that this brings to anyone in any walk of life.

“Our warmest congratulations go to all the winners of these awards; it’s a tremendous recognition of all the hard work you put into your career and we wish you all the best for the future.”

Karen Russell, Clarity & Success “We love to support the NAJ – we continue to encourage our colleagues to complete the JET 2 course (at our cost) as we know the confidence they gain from having the knowledge enables them to pass this on to their customers, which ultimately reflects in our performance as a company.”

Mark Adelstone, Beaverbrooks.

“JET is great for anyone in the trade wanting to gain greater knowledge. It has so many different topics – especially important as the jewellery industry is such an interesting trade that you’re constantly learning new things – it’s why I love it. I want to study further courses in the future.”