PRESS RELEASE: UK Jewellery, Silverware and Allied Crafts Welcome Focus on Skills Pathways in Response to DfE Post-16 Consultation

Drawing on input from employers, skills experts and training providers across the sector, UKJSAC’s response supports the principle of new Level 2 and Level 3 pathways, while stressing that their design must be rooted in close collaboration with industry. For jewellery, silverware and allied crafts, the priority is building a clear and credible pipeline from school into sustainable careers, underpinned by both technical capability and core employability skills.

UKJSAC highlights the importance of introducing foundational skills earlier in a learner’s journey, not only practical, hands-on and technological skills, but also communication, problem-solving and work-readiness. These are essential to ensure young people can transition confidently into further study, apprenticeships and employment within a highly skilled, specialist sector.

The response also emphasises the value of flexible, modular pathways that allow learners to move between routes without losing credit, as well as the need for creative disciplines to be embedded meaningfully within new qualifications. Without this, UKJSAC warns, small and micro-businesses across the craft sector will continue to struggle to access job-ready talent, despite growing demand and an ageing workforce.

Ben Massey, Chief Executive of the National Association of Jewellers (NAJ), said,

“For our industry, the challenge is not simply about access to and support for funded training routes, but about building a genuine pipeline from school onwards that develops well-rounded individuals. Foundational skills matter, not just at the bench or through technology, but in communication, problem-solving and other vital so called soft skills, so that young people are prepared to enter pathways into jewellery, silverware and the allied crafts.

“This response reflects the collective expertise of employers, educators and training providers from across our industries, and I would like to thank everyone who contributed their insight and experience. Continued, meaningful engagement between government and industry will be critical if these pathways are to deliver real value for learners and for the creative economy.”

UKJSAC will continue to engage with the Department for Education, Skills England and wider partners to ensure that post-16 reforms recognise the realities of creative and craft careers, support employer demand, and help secure the long-term sustainability of one of the UK’s oldest and most culturally significant industries.

About the UKJSAC

The UK Jewellery, Silverware and Allied Crafts (UKJSAC) Roundtable Group is comprised of organisations, institutions and individuals from the jewellery, silverware, watch and allied crafts industries. These include the National Association of Jewellers, Goldsmiths' Company, Company of Master Jewellers, Houlden, Birmingham City School of Jewellery, Institute of Professional Goldsmiths, London Diamond Bourse, British Hallmarking Council, Natural Diamond Council, British Allied Trades Federation, Institute of Registered Valuers, The Hand Engravers Association, British Watch & Clock Makers and Gem-A, as well as a variety of trade professionals from across the industry.

Image Credit: Aston University Goldsmiths Institute