Foundation Programme Guide 2023/24

A guide for young people to develop the best craft and creative skills.

Welcome to the Foundation Programme.

We believe in the value of originality. All young people should have the opportunity to develop their creative and craft skills, to make a powerful contribution to society, and to start a career within the precious metal industry.

The Goldsmiths’ Centre is a place for the goldsmithing community to network, receive training and support, and shape successful and rewarding careers. Designed by our team and delivered by experienced craftspeople, who are experts within their fields, we offer a range of high-quality courses and programmes from our purpose-built hub near London’s jewellery quarter, Hatton Garden.

The quality of British craft, jewellery and silversmithing is highly-regarded worldwide and makes a key contribution to this country’s economy whilst at the same time adding to its rich culture. Over 57,000 people are employed in the UK’s jewellery, retail and manufacturing sectors and there is a wide range of potential careers, from creative, to technical and potential management roles.

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The jewellery and silversmithing industry needs passionate, responsible and ambitious young people with a strong foundation of creative and critical thinking skills. Since the Goldsmiths’ Centre opened its doors, the Foundation Programme has helped over 80 trainees from diverse backgrounds to develop their skills and become the future of the industry.

Alongside a robust curriculum covering the fundamentals of the craft, we provide young people with routes into further training as well as the tools and industry knowledge required to succeed. The Goldsmiths’ Centre trains young people because we believe our industry deserves the best; we know that a well-trained and inquisitive workforce can secure the future of our trade.

If you are a young person and interested in a career in jewellery or silversmithing, you will need the right training and support. Read on to find out how the skills you learn on our Foundation Programme will prepare you for your first steps into this exciting and vibrant sector.

LILI CAPELLE Programme Manager, The Goldsmiths’ Centre

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WHAT IS THE FOUNDATION PROGRAMME? The Goldsmiths’ Centre’s year-long Foundation Programme course is free to attend and prepares young people* based in London and the South-East with the core skills needed to flourish in our exciting and vibrant industry.

It provides school and college leavers with a gateway into apprenticeships, including the prestigious Goldsmiths’ Company Apprenticeship Scheme, employment or further studies.

The course has been developed by our Professional Training team in collaboration with Master craftspeople and experts in their field. Our tutors are highly experienced with years of working in the industry and many have received multiple awards.

Throughout the course, we will share our love for all things precious metals with you. You will get a hands-on insight into our industry, learning traditional hand making skills alongside contemporary processes.

*A young person is defined as 16 to 19 years old, but the Goldsmiths’ Centre has a small capacity to recruit for learners from the age of 19 to 24 and we welcome their applications.

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“As a maker, it all comes down to the foundation you set early on. And I can attribute pretty much everything that I’ve been able to do for my career, from the beginning to this point now, to what I’ve learnt and who I’ve met at the Goldsmiths’ Centre.”

HUGO JOHNSON Foundation Programme alumnus Winner of BBC 2’s “All That Glitters” Series 1 5

WHAT SKILLS WILL I LEARN? The Foundation Programme covers a wide variety of skills all taught in purpose-built workshops. All of our workshops are fitted with high quality industry-standard benches and equipment. You will be provided with all of the tools and materials needed to make your pieces.

Here is an outline of each skill covered and the amount of time spent working with each of them:

FINE JEWELLERY (22% of the course) • Create high-quality pieces of jewellery, working from drawings, specifications, and with measurements. Learn to use hand tools, specialist and traditional techniques • Skills shaped: Eye for detail and precision

SILVERSMITHING (19% of the course) • Explore silver’s properties and create larger scale sculptural and functional objects. Learn to develop traditional hand and mechanical • Skills shaped: Accuracy and creativity

2D DESIGN & DRAWING (12% of the course) • Find inspiration, sketch, render and present your 2D designs and drawings for jewellery and silverware.

• Skills shaped: Creativity and communication

ENGRAVING (9% of the course) • Cut linear and decorative designs into the surface of metal. Create texture, shadows, and pattern • Skills shaped: Dexterity and self-discipline

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Fine Jewellery

2D Design & Drawing

Engraving

Silversmithing 7

Chasing

Computer Aided Design

Setting 8

Enamelling

Personal & Professional Development

SETTING (8% of the course) • Learn the art of securing gemstones into metal • Skills shaped: Precision and concentration

ENAMELLING (8% of the course) • Discover a decorative technique, fusing powdered glass, to add colour and texture to the surface of metal • Skills shaped: Creativity and diligence

CHASING (7% of the course) • Apply decorative techniques, 3D patterns, onto the surface of metal to create volume and texture • Skills shaped: Creativity and precision

COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN [CAD] (7% of the course) • Use computers to complement the design process and aid the manufacture of jewellery and silverware • Skills shaped: Design and development

PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (8% of the course) • Contextual studies with dedicated visits, individual and group work, study trips and online research You will also have the opportunity to undertake Work Experience in a chosen skill with a trusted organisation. There will also be live projects and competitions where you will be able to put your skills and knowledge to the test.

Throughout the year, you will be assessed through a mixture of individual and group projects.While a majority of your assessment will be for practical projects, you will be expected to complete some written research and assessments, as well as deliver a presentation of your work. All of these opportunities will help to shape your research, communication and understanding skills and contribute to your personal and professional growth.

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SOPHIE CHAPMAN Foundation Programme Alumnus

“The Goldsmiths’ Centre had a massive impact on my career, and it’s where my journey into silversmithing started. Before I came in, I didn’t really know the difference between silversmithing and small work and jewellery. So, it’s given me a better understanding of all different aspects of the trade. It’s where my passion for silversmithing really started.”

“The Goldsmiths’ Centre has transformed my life. When I left school, I had no idea what to do next, and the Foundation Programme was an opportunity that gave me direction and confidence, it showed me that I could be good at something.

And I’ve learned skills here that I can carry over to every aspect of my life, not just my professional life.”

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HARRY BUCKETT Foundation Programme Alumnus

WHAT ARE MY CAREER PROSPECTS AFTER THE FOUNDATION PROGRAMME? The Foundation Programme will help you to develop a high standard of traditional and modern jewellery skills, preparing you to build a career in the jewellery industry. The skills you graduate with will open up the possibilities of an apprenticeship, employment in the industry or a further / higher education course.

Successful trainees will receive a City & Guild Level 2 Diploma in Jewellery Manufacturing. You will also have the opportunity to take additional units in Employability and Creative Skills, as well as the City & Guilds Level 3 Crafts Skills qualification.

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WHAT DO I NEED TO APPLY? To be a part of the Foundation Programme, we are looking for young people who are able to show us their passion for the craft. With the right enthusiasm, you will have the patience to spend hours concentrating on finishing a piece of fine jewellery or the detail on an ornamented silverwork.

To apply, you need to prepare a portfolio of craft projects that you are proud of. This portfolio should show us your personality, passion and creative flair, as well as your interest in the jewellery industry. We will consider work from any medium, so whether you are into drawing, sculptures, crochet or anything in between, include it in your portfolio to prove your crafting abilities to us.

It is worth noting that the Foundation Programme is a year-long commitment, and if you are planning to go into an apprenticeship afterwards, that is a further four-year commitment. Make sure you consider this before applying.

If you are ready to commit and work hard as part of a team, then we are ready to meet you.

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OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION The Foundation Programme will take place from Monday 11 September 2023 to Friday 5 July 2024.

There are three terms: Autumn, Spring and Summer. The Autumn term includes a six-week probation, where your performance will be assessed. You must pass this probation to progress to the rest of the course.

FEES AND FUNDING The Foundation Programme is free for all successfully applying candidates.

Grants may be made available to support any trainee who is experiencing financial hardship due to unforeseen circumstances if they, or if dependent, their household, receives one or more government benefits.

Our grants, funded by the Goldsmiths’ Company Charity, can be used to cover any financial need necessary for your continued participation on the course.

This could relate to transport costs or accommodation.

Please email us at professionaltraining@goldsmiths-centre.org at the application stage for further information.

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HOW DO I APPLY? To apply, download an application form from the Foundation Programme homepage: goldsmiths-centre.org/courses/foundation-programme Email your completed application form alongside your CV and Portfolio to applications@goldsmiths-centre.org. There is advice for preparing your CV and Portfolio, as well as Assessment Day tips, on the Foundation Programme homepage.

Please note: Portfolios are only accepted in Powerpoint, Word of PDF formats.

Individual feedback will not be given for portfolios.

If you would prefer to print and post your application, please post it to this address: The Foundation Programme Applications The Goldsmiths’ Centre 42 Britton Street EC1M 5AD The deadline for your application is midnight on Sunday 7 May 2023.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? If your application is shortlisted, you will be invited to an Assessment Day. You must attend this, so please contact us if you need to rearrange your date.

Also make sure that you bring your Portfolio with you.

At the interview, you will be asked to complete a number of practical exercises that will help us to assess your abilities. You will be expected to talk about yourself and what you are looking to get out of taking part in the course (such as your career plans following the course) so keep that in mind as you prepare.

Good luck!

If you would like to arrange a tour of the Goldsmiths’ Centre you can contact our team at professionaltraining@goldsmiths-centre.org or 020 7566 7650.

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ZOE WILLIAMSON Foundation Programme alumnus

“It’s such a good opportunity, you’re taught by the best people, and you get to do mainly hands-on work. Most of your written work is done in your own time at home, so during lessons you’re kept busy with practical things. I think that’s a huge benefit over university, it’s full on, hands on - just getting on with it.”

“I feel incredibly privileged to have been able to study at the Goldsmiths’ Centre. Going straight into an apprenticeship would not have allowed me to learn such a broad range of skills while also being able to sample less well known areas of the industry.”

SIAN HUGHES Foundation Programme alumnus

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