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MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program

Apprenticeships were once a vital part of the jewelry industry's recruiting and training regimen, allowing businesses to transfer knowledge while also showing younger workers a recognizable career path.

The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program (MAP) aims to revive this practice. Spearheaded by the MJSA Education Foundation, the program promotes the rewards and benefits of a career designing and making jewelry.

It also provides a package of resources that professional jewelers can use to find qualified workers and train them properly.

Visit MJSA's Website to Learn More

The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Training Package

Developed with the input from leading jewelers and educators throughout the industry, the MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Training package guides mentors through all aspects of setting up an apprenticeship. Funded in part by a grant from the JCK Industry Fund, the kit is available free of charge and leads to MJSA's Advanced Jewelry Apprentice (AJA) certification.

  • A 50-week curriculum that provides step-by-step guidance for mentors to instruct apprentices and help them achieve the minimum standards for core competency.

  • Assessment tests that businesses can use when choosing apprentice candidates.

  • A brief guide to creating a culture that promotes employee retention.

  • A list of suppliers of benches and related equipment to help outfit a shop for an apprentice.

  • A free copy of A Jeweler's Guide to Apprenticeships, the award-winning book by Nanz Aalund (who also developed the curriculum).

  • Access to the MJSA Online Library. Developed to supplement an apprentice's shop training, it offers curated instructional videos and downloads showing best practices for various bench skills.

  • Mentor Support resources to help mentors hone their training skills and bring out the best in each apprentice.

Questions?

If you have questions about MJSA or the MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program, please contact Rich Youmans at 1-800-444-MJSA (6572), ext. 3025, or e-mail him directly at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..