KatieAnnDesigns, a Gosport-based independent jewellery studio and an employer partner of BAJ, has been awarded the highly competitive Heritage Crafts Apprenticeship Grant – one of only two awarded across the UK. The grant helps small studios take on apprentices by contributing towards wages and training time, supporting employers to develop new talent in the jewellery and craft sector.
“Only a minority of traditional crafts in England have apprenticeship standards that allow employers to draw down funding. Even where they exist, taking someone on is often out of reach for the sole traders and micro-businesses that make up the crafts sector, as the funds only cover off-the-job training and not the apprentice’s salary or reduced productivity.
By providing Katie’s business with top-up funding through the partnership between Heritage Crafts and the Hugo Burge Foundation, we are making a compelling case to Government for the additional support needed to ensure a healthy future for these culturally and economically significant industries. There are thousands more young people like Amelie Priestman whose talents are currently going to waste, and it’s our mission to change that.”
– Daniel Carpenter, Executive Director – Heritage Crafts
Amelie Priestman, a BAJ apprentice at KatieAnnDesigns, is already benefiting directly from the funding, gaining hands-on training and developing her skills in jewellery craft.
Jewellery sold by KatieAnnDesigns
The award enables KatieAnnDesigns to expand its studio capacity while offering hands-on training to the next generation of jewellers. Meanwhile, our BAJ apprentice has begun training in the workshop, marking an exciting new chapter for the business and their development.
“Receiving this grant is an incredible boost for KatieAnnDesigns. As a small independent jeweller, it allows us to invest in the future of traditional craftsmanship while continuing to grow sustainably. Welcoming an apprentice into the workshop has brought fresh energy, new ideas, and invaluable support, strengthening our capacity and ensuring we can continue delivering the personal handcrafted service our customers love.”
– Katie Gunn, KatieAnnDesigns
The apprenticeship offers immersive, real-world studio experience, supporting the development of technical skills, confidence, and an understanding of how a small creative business operates.
“My boss, Katie, who owns KatieAnnDesigns, is incredibly talented in transforming unworn, family heirloom jewellery into pieces that are both meaningful and loved. She retains their sentimentality and meaning. I aspire to bring the same joy to my own customers one day, through my creativity.
I have chosen engraving, a heritage craft, along with silversmithing. Learning these skills feels vital in helping preserve specialist techniques for future generations, especially in a world that can overlook their value.
What drew me to BAJ was the studio’s expressed value of collaboration and community. This was evident in both the studio layout and class structure, creating an environment in which I feel safe, encouraged, and motivated to learn.”
– Amelie Priestman, BAJ Apprentice – Jewellery, Silversmithing and Allied Trades
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see how our apprenticeship programmes empower small craft businesses while allowing new talent to gain real, hands-on industry experience,” says Miranda Sharpe, Apprenticeship Coordinator and Birmingham Centre Lead at BAJ.
BAJ is proud to support employer partners like KatieAnnDesigns, who help preserve and strengthen the UK’s jewellery craft heritage through meaningful apprenticeship opportunities.
Inspired by Amelie’s journey at KatieAnnDesigns? The BAJ Level 3 Apprenticeship in Jewellery, Silversmithing and Allied Trades Professional supports employers and emerging talent, offering hands-on studio experience and specialist craft skills development. Find out more and register your interest here.
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