One year after the launch of its inaugural apprentice support scheme, Nationwide Jewellers has announced that it will continue the program in 2011.
Nationwide director Barry Jackson said the buying group assisted 12 apprentices working for Nationwide members in 2010.
“We give the apprentices a choice between $400 towards fees, or $500 to buy tools from the House of Jewellery,” he said
“We had no hesitation in deciding to continue this scheme, as we believe it is incumbent on us all to help young people start their jewellery industry careers.”
The scheme was introduced last year in response to the buying group’s concerns about the low number of young apprentices employed in the jewellery industry.
“We may well be heading towards a significant shortage of qualified jewellers in the years ahead,” said Jackson at the time.