Members' Area Menu David Mason 21 Sep 2021 2 min read share page: Foundation Programme 2021-22 trainees take their first steps into jewellery-making and silversmithing Last week, we were joined by a brand-new cohort of 10 young makers at the Goldsmiths' Centre, each starting their jewellery journeys on our Foundation Programme. Our full-time Foundation Programme is a unique course, for 16 – 19-year-olds, designed to prepare craft-enthused young people for an apprenticeship, higher education course or job in the jewellery, silversmithing and allied industries. Foundation Programme tutor Lili Capelle teaching this year’s cohort in the Goldsmiths’ Centre workshops Over the next year, this new cohort will be introduced to the world of jewellery and silversmithing and taught by leading craftspeople in fully equipped workshops at the Goldsmiths’ Centre. They will learn a wide variety of traditional techniques as well as contemporary processes including: Fine Jewellery Setting Enamelling Silversmithing Engraving Polishing and finishing techniques Wax carving Computer Aided Design (CAD) Design and drawing skills Each Foundation Programme trainee is expected to develop high standards of technical competence in these skills. The UK jewellery industry currently employs over 55,000 people and there are over 16,000 jewellery industry related businesses in the UK. By reinforcing their knowledge and abilities, the Foundation Programme team will shape this new cohort into ideal candidates for career paths into the creative industries. The Goldsmiths’ Company Curatorial team showcasing the Goldsmiths’ Company silver collection In addition to welcoming this year's new cohort, we are also thrilled to introduce Angus McFadyen and Elsa Tierney onto the in-person teaching team. Angus will be guiding the trainees with their hand-engraving techniques, while Elsa will be leading Wax Carving classes - much like she did online for last year's cohort during the height of the pandemic. Stay tuned to our social media channels for updates on the Foundation Programme cohort and their progress. The Goldsmiths' Centre Find out more about the Foundation Programme Back to News More like this All items 30 Nov 21 The Goldsmiths' Centre puts six early career fine jewellers in the spotlight through the Getting Started: Stars in the Making initiative Read more 4 Nov 21 The Goldsmiths’ Centre initiates Community Advisory Group with industry and equity representatives Read more 21 Oct 21 The Goldsmiths’ Company supports largest cohort of apprentices since 2016 to enter the industry Read more 16 Sep 21 The Goldsmiths’ Centre’s Career Catalyst Grants 2021 support four jewellers and silversmiths to work in new and innovative ways Read more Sign up to our newsletter Stay in touch and hear about our upcoming courses, events, exhibitions and latest exciting news. © Copyright 2021 The Goldsmiths’ Centre Terms and Conditions Privacy Policy Cookie Statement Connect with us The Goldsmiths' Centre is a charity founded by the Goldsmiths' Company