The Diamond Council of America announced the launch of a new program “The DCA Jewelry Career Readiness Initiative,” a new program designed to teach DCA’s Diamond, Color Gemstone and Jewelry Sales courses for high school students and to provide a pool of knowledgeable, trained potential sales associates for the retail jewelry industry. The initiative involves licensing high schools to offer classes that incorporate DCA courses, and establishing a referral service that links program graduates with DCA members.
A total of 52 students have graduated from the pilot program of the JCR Initiative, which took place in the 2013/2014 school year. With their permission, these students will be entered into the JCR Initiative Graduate Database. As a permanent referral service, this database can be used by JCR Initiative graduates to seek out employers, or it can be used by DCA members to seek out qualified job candidates.
The JCR Initiative is a perfect opportunity to open the students’ eyes to the opportunities within the jewelry industry. As one JCR Initiative graduate expressed, “I never thought about getting into the jewelry industry, but now I am definitely interested.” The program has proven to be the perfect way to develop the interest of young people to begin careers within the jewelry industry. By completing these courses, they have a newfound passion for the jewelry industry and career opportunities no matter what path they choose to pursue after high school.
The DCA is confident of the JCR Initiative’s positive impact on the future of the jewelry industry. The JCR Initiative is an innovative program that eliminates a significant barrier to entry for young jewelry consumers: product knowledge and selling skills. The program introduces the students to multiple aspects of the jewelry industry; from the DCA courses in diamonds, colored gemstones, and jewelry sales; to jewelry industry guest speakers and hands-on projects and experiences. All of these contribute to more educated consumers who are now less intimidated by the jewelry store experience. They now have an interest in and knowledge of the products available in jewelry stores and are truly excited about their new knowledge of the industry.
The JCR Initiative has also proven to be a new way to get jewelers involved within their community’s high schools. Incorporating local jewelers into the program through guest speaking opportunities, the Initiative allows students to develop a relationship with their local jeweler much earlier than the traditional first point of contact, shopping for engagement rings.
Terry W. Chandler, DCA President and CEO, stated he believes the JCR Initiative “will help to ensure the future of our industry” because of its ability to spark interest and passion among young people, creating a fresh and new flow of sales professionals. The DCA is excited about what the future holds for the JCR Initiative.
