Goldsmiths’ Centre opens its workshops to aspiring jewellers

Free open days on 28 and 29 October give people considering a career at the bench a first look at the Jewellery Foundation Programme, a ten-month course that leads into apprenticeships and entry-level jobs.

23 October 2026

The Goldsmiths’ Centre in London is inviting aspiring jewellers into its workshops next week to find out about its Jewellery Foundation Programme, a practical, industry-led route into the UK jewellery trade.

The free open days on Wednesday 28 and Thursday 29 October are for UK residents aged 18 and over who are interested in entry-level roles or apprenticeships. Visitors will tour the centre’s jewellery, silversmithing and specialist workshops and classrooms, see the tools and techniques they would use in training, and talk to the training team about the programme, how to apply and the careers it can lead to. Further dates will be announced.

A route into the trade

The Jewellery Foundation Programme is a ten-month, full-time course designed with industry professionals and employers. It develops technical jewellery-making and bench skills alongside the professional skills needed to work as a jeweller or move into other skilled roles in the allied trades. There are ten places on the programme. It is designed mainly as a pathway into apprenticeships and entry-level roles, including progression towards the Goldsmiths’ Company Apprenticeship Scheme.

More than 140 trainees have completed the programme since it launched in 2012, and graduates have gone on to apprenticeships, jobs and specialist roles across jewellery, silversmithing and the allied trades.

Applicants don’t need previous jewellery experience or particular qualifications. Instead, the centre is looking for people who enjoy practical work, are curious about how things are made and like solving problems, and who have the patience and motivation to build their craft skills.

“I believe strongly in vocational education as a bridge to fulfilling careers,” said Lili Capelle, Vocational Curriculum Manager at the Goldsmiths’ Centre. “The Jewellery Foundation Programme gives trainees the opportunity to develop practical, industry-focused skills while discovering and refining their own strengths. Our open days are a chance to come into the workshops, meet the team and understand what that training looks like in practice.”

Open day details

When: Wednesday 28 and Thursday 29 October 2026, with tours at 11am and 2pm
Where: The Goldsmiths’ Centre, 42 Britton Street, London EC1M 5AD, five minutes’ walk from Farringdon station
Places: free, with 25 places per tour. The open days are intended for people seriously considering applying.
Book: goldsmiths-centre.org/jewellery-foundation-programme

About the Goldsmiths’ Centre

The Goldsmiths’ Centre is the UK’s national centre of excellence for learning, innovation and enterprise in the jewellery and silversmithing industries. Its principal funder is the Goldsmiths’ Foundation. It provides skills-based training that opens routes into apprenticeships, employment, further education and business growth, and its award-winning building near Hatton Garden is home to more than 120 craftspeople in affordable workspace. The centre also runs a year-round programme of exhibitions and events that is open to all.

Find out more: goldsmiths-centre.org