he British Academy of Jewellery is delighted to announce the launch of a new jewellery-making and industry focused traineeship. BAJ Traineeships will give 16 to 18 year-olds a range of practical, transferable skills to kick start their jewellery career while they complete a work placement in the industry. The first batch of BAJ trainees will begin in January, 2023 at BAJ’s Birmingham campus.

On a BAJ Traineeship, trainees will be given an introduction to key jewellery making skills and the professional jewellery industry. They will also have the opportunity to enhance their employability and digital skills in preparation for a career in jewellery.   

In the BAJ workshop, trainees will learn jewellery-making techniques including hammering and texturing, creating jump rings and findings, and basic piercing and filing. They will progress to explore ring making, basic soldering, and riveting. Finally, they will design and create an individualised piece of jewellery.

Trainees will learn personal development skills including interview skills and preparing for the workplace. They will also learn digital skills to increase their employability. 

The Traineeship includes a work placement with a jewellery business. BAJ will endeavour to place trainees with businesses that match their interests in the industry. By gaining first hand experience with an employer, trainees will be given valuable feedback. 

The programme also focuses on giving trainees the foundational skills they need to find employment. These include a L1 certificate in Personal Development and Employability skills and a Level 2 qualification in maths and/ or English if the trainee does not already have this.  

The BAJ Birmingham campus is located in the Birmingham Assay Office, a jewellery manufacturing hub. The Birmingham Jewellery Quarter is home to hundreds of jewellery related businesses and is a major employer in the UK jewellery industry.