WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017

For an industry that has been running apprenticeship programmes since 1334, when the Goldsmiths’ Company Apprenticeship Scheme launched, this announcement has been welcomed. But while many organisations offer highly respected apprenticeship programmes, what does it take to train a world class apprentice jeweller?

Steven Jinks, the WorldSkills UK Training Manager for Jewellery, who is responsible for training three Goldsmiths’ apprentices in Squad UK for WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017, explains why technical skills development is only part of the training.

Steven said, “Competing in the WorldSkills Competitions is hugely important to the jewellery industry in the UK. Apprentices who participate in the programme are given the opportunity to enhance their technical skills, gain the confidence to work independently and develop their ability to produce jewellery in a high pressure environment. However our apprentices also need the mind-set of a Gold medallist when they compete internationally.  To support them in this, they follow a similar programme to that of our top athletes.  Working with specialist coaches, the competitors focus on developing key attributes including problem solving, working under pressure, team work and leadership, all of which are essential characteristics of a world class apprentice.  It is the opportunity to develop the ‘soft skills’ which current apprenticeship programmes don’t allow for, that shows the important role skills competitions play in creating apprenticeships that are truly world class.” 

Hugo Johnson, a diamond mounter apprentice with RTFJ, is one of the three apprentices in training with Steven as part of Squad UK.  Hugo is hoping to be selected next year to compete at WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017 and he echoes Steven’s thoughts. 

Hugo said,“The training for both the WorldSkills UK and WorldSkills Competitions has definitely enhanced my apprenticeship. I do feel I’m ahead of my peers in my ability.  The new skills I have learnt, I have been able to transfer directly to my role at RTFJ.  However for me, one the most valuable aspects of the training has been the opportunity to develop my communication and problem solving skills.   I have also learnt how to perform to the best of my ability whilst under pressure.  It is this that has given me the confidence to work independently both in my competition training and in my role at RTFJ.”

Hugo first heard about the skills competitions when he was in his first year at The Goldsmiths’ Centre and was encouraged to enter by Richard Talman who owns RTFJ.  Richard himself competed at WorldSkills Seoul 2001.

Richard said, "Although I had competed in competitions before, the prospect of representing my country in an international competition in the trade I was so passionate about was such an incredible opportunity.  The standards of the other countries’ work was so high, so I really had to up my game and concentrate on the fine details that maybe weren’t so critical before.  I am so keen on encouraging Hugo to have the same life-changing experience I was fortunate to have."

For it to be a success, the drive to increase apprenticeships in the UK must not only deliver millions of new apprenticeship starts, including a percentage in the jewellery sector, but it must also drive up quality. 

The UK’s best ever result at the recent WorldSkills Competition in Brazil, where the UK was ranked seventh, and the preparations for WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017, is testament to the role skills competitions play in helping employers equip their apprentice with the right skills to compete better globally.    

Benchpeg will follow Hugo Johnson, Chloe Lightfoot and Alexander Wood as they train for WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017.

 www.worldskillsabudhabi2017.com