Jeweller Stephen Webster, Blogger A Thousand Facets and The Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council, back the Goldsmiths’ Centre’s Refreshed Jewellery Foundation Programme
17 Dec 2024
The Goldsmiths’ Centre has received the support of renowned jewellery blogger and jewellery aficionado A Thousand Facets, leading British jeweller Stephen Webster, and professional awards organisation the Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council (GC&DC), for its industry-focused Jewellery Foundation Programme 2025/6. Since its launch in 2012, the Foundation Programme has successfully helped over 100 young people to prepare for careers in the jewellery and silversmithing industry. To address recent changes in education policy and the requirement for young people to remain in education or training until the age of 18, the programme has been updated. This endorsement from leading industry figures highlights the Goldsmiths’ Centre’s ties to the jewellery and silversmithing industry, providing the next generation of goldsmiths with skills, knowledge, and connections they need to thrive in their careers.
The free training programme, accredited by the Goldsmiths’ Centre, prepares entry-level candidates aged 18 and over - whether they have recently completed their A-levels or T-levels, or are eager to start their journeys - who are passionate about jewellery-making and aspire to build a future in the industry. Through 10 months of hands-on experience in both traditional and modern jewellery-making techniques, students learn from industry professionals, gain invaluable work experience with leading businesses, and collaborate on industry-focused projects. Throughout the year, the Goldsmiths’ Centre team seeks to collaborate with industry, working together to improve skills and open routes into employment, apprenticeships and further education. In 2025 the Goldsmiths’ Centre is proud to collaborate with A Thousand Facets, Stephen Webster, and GC&DC, providing trainees with the opportunity to respond to real-world project briefs and receive valuable industry feedback.
Leading British jeweller Stephen Webster MBE explains,
“We are proud to support the Goldsmiths Centre’s training programme. The Centre is one of the last remaining establishments in the UK to offer a young school leaver the opportunity to discover and develop the skills required in order to join the jewellery industry. With creative subjects having been almost entirely removed from the school curriculum, there is a real potential that one of the oldest skill driven industries will completely disappear in a very short time.”
Blogger and jewellery aficionado A Thousand Facets says,
"I truly believe in the Goldsmiths’ Centre's vision for generations of jewellery artists. To invest, educate and form the jewellery minds of the 21st century is not an easy task, but I've seen the Centre's commitment to its student success and that speaks volumes. Keeping the craft of goldsmithing alive and thriving is extremely important for generations to come
and I'm happy to be a part of it."
Chair of the Goldsmiths’ Craft and Design Council (GC&DC), John Ball comments,
“The Goldsmiths' Craft & Design Council values our partnership with the Goldsmiths’ Centre, as they play a critical role in advancing the technical skills development of young people and securing the future of our craft. By supporting this programme, we are not only helping to nurture the next generation of crafts skills but also fostering the development of future Council members who will continue to uphold and elevate the standards of design & craftsmanship in our industry. This collaboration is critical to ensuring that the highest levels of expertise are transferred and celebrated.”
Prospective applicants are invited to attend Open Days, bookable via the Goldsmiths’ Centre website, where they can meet the teaching team, see the training facilities and determine if the course is a good fit for them. Applications for the Jewellery Foundation Programme 2025/26 open on 6 January 2025.
To join an Open Day, learn more about the Jewellery Foundation Programme or express your interest in collaborating as an industry partner, teaching on the course or offering work experience visit www.goldsmithscentre.org/jewelleryfoundation-programme
Source: Goldsmiths' Centre