Pretoria – The first 15 students have completed and graduated from Gauteng’s Design @ 50 commercial jewellery programme.
Congratulating the graduates on Thursday, Gauteng Development MEC Eric Xayiya said: “This project was developed to focus on creating viable markets for locally manufactured jewellery and stimulating the local jewellery manufacturing industry.
“It does so by creating entrepreneurs that can research and develop products for specific markets rather than re-engineering and following current trends.”
In the beneficiation strategy of the Department of Mineral Resources, jewellery manufacturing is highlighted as a key industry in the beneficiation of three of the top ten minerals of South Africa, namely, diamonds, gold and platinum.
“We want to create an enabling environment to grow market share for local jewellery manufacturers globally,” added the MEC.
The programme is one that trains candidates with a background in jewellery design and manufacturing.
It is aimed at improving the commercial jewellery design capacity within the province.
It also forms the cornerstone of the Jewellery Manufacturing Precinct Industrial Development Zone (IDZ) an initiative of the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA).
Chief executive of the GGDA Siphiwe Ngwenya said it was significant that the programme had been structured to assist candidates with driving market demand to support jewellery manufacturing in Gauteng.
“The jewellery industry has welcomed this initiative, with its partners offering internships and workplace training opportunities. This programme has involved collaboration from government, industry bodies, training institutions and jewellery retailers, which really gives graduates an edge,” said Ngwenya.
The programme initially operated from the Jewellery Council of South Africa and moved to new customised premises in Germiston, provided rent free by Rand Refinery.
The students have received training in market research, commercial jewellery design and product development using state of the art Computer Aided Design (CAD) and 3D Printing Technology.
Retail jewellery chains Natal Wholesale Jewellers, Galaxy and Co, American Swiss and Sterns supplied internships for students with jewellery buyers as well as workplace training. All of the students enrolled in the programme completed their training.
The MEC also welcomed learners who have commenced with the programme this year.
Applications for the 2015 course open in November this year on www.ggda.co.za.
Requirements for applicants for the course are that they must have a diploma in jewellery design and manufacturing, that they must have knowledge of and experience on Computer Aided Design (CAD) – preferably Rhino or Matrix.
A Goldsmith/Setter Trade Test Qualification is an advantage while some experience working in the jewellery manufacturing, wholesale or retail industry would also be an advantage.
Additionally preference will be given to BEE candidates. – SAnews.gov.za
