PRESS RELEASE: The NAJ Expands Endorsed Programme with Metal Clay and Retail Jewellery Training Additions

The newly endorsed courses are the Metal Clay Academy Launchpad 1 Day and 2 Day Workshops and Sharman D. Neill's Two-Day In-Person Training Experience, bringing new specialist making and retail-focused learning opportunities to the growing programme.

Supporting trusted learning across the trade

NAJ Endorsed formally recognises education providers whose courses meet the Association's standards through a comprehensive review of course content, learning outcomes and delivery methods.

Metal Clay Academy Launchpad Workshops

Metal Clay Academy specialises in teaching metal clay workshops and was launched earlier this year as the new training arm of Richard Allen Jewellery. Following several years of delivering beginner and themed workshops as Pepper Tree Studio, the academy now provides in-person training in Hull and locations across the UK.

Its Launchpad Sessions are available as one-day and two-day workshops designed to provide a strong foundation in working with silver and base-metal clays while preparing learners for progression to the Metal Clay Academy Diploma. The sessions combine practical projects, demonstrations, tutor assessment and technical guidance, helping participants develop their skills beyond the basics.

The one-day workshop includes three projects, while the two-day programme features four projects incorporating silver, copper and bronze clay. NAJ members can also benefit from a 15% discount using the code LNAJ15.

Commenting on the endorsement, Richard Allen, Metal Clay Academy, said, "To be the first metal clay course to have achieved NAJ Endorsed status makes all the hard work worthwhile. It has always been a challenge convincing traditional jewellery makers that metal clay has a place in the industry, and we are really excited about taking it to another level."

Sharman D. Neill / Diamond By Appointment

The second newly endorsed programme comes from Sharman D. Neill, a family-owned diamond and jewellery business supplying independent retailers and multiples throughout the UK and Ireland.

Its Two-Day In-Person Training Experience is designed for team members who have already gained experience within the business. Delivered in Belfast, the programme develops participants' product knowledge, confidence and understanding of the Diamond By Appointment proposition, with a particular focus on diamond grading and practical retail application.

A key element of the course is the opportunity to see jewellery manufacturing techniques first-hand. Attendees spend time alongside experienced goldsmiths, observing processes such as setting, polishing and sizing while connecting classroom learning with real-world workshop practice.

The training programme is available to retailers that hold an account with Sharman D. Neill, with certain stockholding levels applying before training is opened to wider retail sales teams.

Peter Chamberlaine, Sharman D. Neill, said, "Having our training independently endorsed by the NAJ is a fantastic recognition of the work we have put into creating a structured, inclusive and professional programme for our customers' sales teams. It gives retailers confidence that the training is independently recognised and built to a genuine industry standard, rather than simply being informal in-house training. We're very grateful to the NAJ for their support, and for helping us continue to raise the standard of training we provide."

Championing quality and progression

Welcoming the latest additions, Marie Garnett, Head of Education at the National Association of Jewellers, said,

"NAJ Endorsed helps learners and employers identify training that has been independently reviewed against recognised industry standards. By highlighting courses with clear learning outcomes, structured delivery, and practical relevance, we can help businesses invest with confidence in their teams' development.

"We would encourage more training providers, educators and industry specialists to explore the programme. There is outstanding education being delivered across our sector, and NAJ Endorsed provides a trusted platform to shine a spotlight on that work, helping ensure training remains high-quality, accessible and relevant to the evolving needs of the trade."

A growing portfolio of endorsed learning

The NAJ Endorsed programme now includes business, sales and leadership training from Virada, specialist watch authentication and valuation courses from The Watch Scholar, the At The Bench Jewellery Diploma, Gem-A's GemIntro course, SilverHub's One-Year Foundation Course in Silversmithing, the Metal Clay Academy Launchpad Workshops and Sharman D. Neill's Two-Day In-Person Training Experience. Together, these programmes reflect the breadth of knowledge and skills required across today's jewellery, watch and allied sectors.

To learn more about the NAJ Endorsed programme and view all current providers, visit: www.naj.co.uk/NAJ-Endorsed

About the NAJ

We are the leading voice for the UK Jewellery industry, shaping the way for our 1500 member companies employing 24,000 people. We protect, promote and prepare our members to make them Fit for the Future. The Association was formed in 2015 through the unification of the British Jewellers' Association (BJA) and National Association of Goldsmiths (NAG). The Institute of Registered Valuers is also part of the NAJ family, comprised of around 100 professional valuers with formal qualifications and substantial experience. Every NAJ member is required to abide by the NAJ's Code of Conduct - based on honesty, integrity and professionalism. 

www.naj.co.uk