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APPLICANT GUIDE

I trained as a goldsmith and have worked in the jewellery industry and in education for many years. My passion for this trade began with my own training: learning from experienced craftspeople, developing skills through practice and discovering the satisfaction that comes from making something well. One of the things I now enjoy most is watching someone discover what they are capable of when they are given the same opportunity, guidance and time to practise. You do not need to arrive knowing exactly which area of the jewellery industry you want to work in, and we are not expecting you to already be a skilled jeweller. What matters is that you are curious about how things are made, enjoy working with your hands and are genuinely interested in building a professional future within the trade.

The Jewellery Foundation Programme will introduce you to a wide range of skills, people and possible career routes. It can be incredibly rewarding, but I also want to be honest: learning a craft takes patience. There will be times when you feel proud of what you have achieved and other times when a small mistake means starting again. Learning how to respond to both is an important part of becoming a craftsperson. Throughout the ten months, our team will support and challenge you. We will ask you to work carefully, listen, practise, accept feedback and take responsibility for your own progress. In return, you will have the opportunity to learn from experienced craftspeople, work in professional workshops and begin finding your own place within this remarkable industry. I hope this handbook gives you a real sense of the programme and helps you decide whether it is the right next step for you. If it is, I look forward to seeing what you could bring to it.

LILI CAPELLE Course Leader, The Goldsmiths’ Centre

WHAT THE TEN MONTHS FEEL LIKE

Much of your time will be spent at the bench. You might begin by learning how to hold and control a tool, measure accurately or produce a clean finish. As your confidence grows, individual techniques begin to connect: a drawing becomes a plan, separate components become a piece and repeated practice begins to produce consistency. Students work on shared technical projects and manufacture pieces to common professional standards. This helps you focus on mastering processes rather than competing to produce the most individual design. Your portfolio will contain work similar to that of your classmates, but the way you develop, solve problems and respond to the process will be your own. Training takes place within a small cohort of ten students. Workshop culture matters: you will be expected to work safely, arrive on time, care for tools and shared spaces, communicate professionally, support others and take responsibility for your own progress.

HOW YOUR LEARNING DEVELOPS

Learning is practical and progressive. During the first part of the programme, you establish core skills and safe working habits. You then develop greater accuracy and consistency before applying your learning through more demanding technical projects, collaborative work and industry experience. Experienced craftspeople, tutors and industry specialists will demonstrate processes, explain why professional standards matter and help you understand how to improve. You will be encouraged to ask questions, reflect on feedback and learn from work that does not go to plan. The programme combines traditional bench skills, modern production methods, design communication and professional practice. The exact content may evolve in response to industry practice, employer feedback and the needs of each cohort.

PROGRESS REVIEWS AND THE FIRST FOUR WEEKS

Your progress will be reviewed through practical work, individual and group projects, technical challenges, presentations and your developing portfolio. The quality of your work matters, but so do accuracy, problem-solving, reliability, workshop practice, response to feedback and development over time. The programme begins with a four-week probationary period. This is a two-way review. The team will consider your attendance, engagement, workshop practice, progress and response to feedback. You must pass probation to continue, but the review is also your opportunity to talk honestly about your experience, raise concerns and discuss any support you may need.

INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE

You will encounter different parts of the jewellery trade through specialist teaching, employer engagement, workplace insight and work experience. Work experience forms part of the programme for every student, although the employer, timing and format will depend on the availability and requirements of participating businesses. You will be expected to approach these opportunities professionally, follow workplace instructions and use them to understand how jewellery businesses operate. They can also help you identify the environments, roles and specialisms that may suit you.

PREPARING FOR YOUR NEXT STEP

The programme is primarily intended to prepare students for apprenticeships and junior industry roles. You will explore different areas of the trade and develop a portfolio showing a broad foundation of technical skills, professional workshop practice and progress over time. You do not need to know your exact specialism before applying. During the programme, you will learn more about possible routes and the expectations of employers. Apprenticeship lengths vary, and some jewellery apprenticeships involve a commitment of around four years. The team will support you to understand and pursue suitable opportunities, but a job or apprenticeship cannot be guaranteed.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION DURATION

Ten months, with a two-week winter break and a two-week spring break.

ATTENDANCE

Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Some visits, events or activities may take place in the evening.

COHORT

10 students

TUITION

There is no tuition fee.

TOOLS

Students receive a toolkit, and core materials for programme projects are provided.

QUALIFICATION

The programme is not an accredited qualification.

LOANS

The Goldsmiths' Centre is not an approved training provider for learner loans.

You remain responsible for travel, accommodation, food and other living costs. Support Grants may be available when financial hardship could prevent a student from participating in or continuing the programme. Eligibility and the amount of support are assessed separately and cannot be guaranteed. Relocation costs are not covered.

RESIDENCY AND ACCESSIBILITY

You must already have the right to live and study in the United Kingdom for the full duration of the programme. The Goldsmiths' Centre is not a licensed student sponsor and cannot provide student visas. You must live in the United Kingdom or be able to relocate to London or the South East for the duration of the programme. If a disability, health condition or learning need affects your application or participation, tell the Professional Training team as early as possible. Reasonable adjustments will be considered wherever possible while maintaining essential workshop safety and assessment requirements.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION

1. Complete the online application form and submit your six applicant statement answers and portfolio by the published deadline. 2. Your submission will be reviewed anonymously against the programme's entry requirements and selection criteria. 3. If shortlisted, attend a compulsory Selection Day at the Goldsmiths' Centre and complete practical activities and a short interview. Please check the Selection days date to ensure you can be available on those days or contact applications@goldsmiths-centre.org . 4. All applicants will receive an email confirming the outcome of the initial review. Final outcomes will be confirmed within ten days of Selection Day. Because of the number of applications received and the small size of the Professional Training team, individual feedback cannot be provided to applicants who are not selected.

BEFORE YOU APPLY

Use the resources linked from the programme webpage to prepare your application: Application FAQs for detailed answers about eligibility, commitment and the selection process Portfolio Guidance and video for choosing and presenting your work Applicant Statement Guidance and video for answering the six questions Open Days for visiting the Centre, seeing the workshops and meeting the team For current dates, deadlines and submission requirements, always check the programme webpage and application form. If you still have a question, read our Application FAQs or contact applications@goldsmiths-centre.org or call 020 7566 7650.