Jewellery, silversmithing, and allied trades professional
Level 3 · AdvancedCreative and design 3 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
A jewellery, silversmithing, and allied trades professional creates and repairs fine jewellery, silverware, and related objects using traditional craft techniques alongside modern methods. Apprentices develop hands-on skills in design, metalworking, stone setting, and finishing to a high standard. Careers can develop into specialist bench work, design, retail gemology, or running an independent craft studio.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Properties of precious metals, gemstones, and allied materials
Traditional craft techniques including soldering, forging, and casting
Stone-setting methods such as claw, bezel, and pavé
Surface finishing techniques including polishing, engraving, and plating
How to read and produce technical drawings for jewellery pieces
Health and safety requirements when working with chemicals and tools
Quality standards and hallmarking regulations for precious metals
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Fabricate jewellery pieces from metal sheet, wire, and tube
Set gemstones securely using appropriate setting techniques
Repair and restore damaged or worn jewellery to specification
Finish surfaces by filing, sanding, and polishing to a high standard
Interpret design briefs and technical drawings at the bench
Maintain and clean specialist tools and workshop equipment safely
Check completed work against quality standards before handover
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 3 (Advanced) - roughly A-level level. Employers usually look for some GCSEs (often English & maths around grade 4/C) or a Level 2 apprenticeship first. English & maths can sometimes be finished during training.
What’s next: Can lead to a Level 4/5 (Higher) apprenticeship, or straight into the role.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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