MJSA Press has published a new book, A Jeweler’s Guide to Apprenticeships: How to Create Effective Programs by educator and award-winning jewelry artist Nanz Aalund. Suitable for shop owners, students, as well as instructors, the 208-page volume provides detailed, proven approaches for finding, training, and retaining valuable employees.
The book features a variety of tests and step-by-step projects, complete with full-color photos, through which apprentices can best learn about specific tools and techniques. It also features interviews with professional jewelers who relate their own inspiring experiences with apprenticeships. In his introduction, acclaimed metalsmith Charles Lewton-Brain (who served as consulting editor) wrote, "There has been nothing like this book published in America before...It will show you how to plan for an apprenticeship; how to evaluate and choose a candidate who is passionate and motivated; and how to train that person to work both for you and with you."
The book is part of the MJSA Education Foundation’s BEaJEWELER initiative, which seeks to bring "new blood" into the jewelry industry by attracting the next generation of bench jewelers and connecting them with career opportunities. The initiative was developed as a joint project with New Approach School for Jewelers in Franklin, Tennessee, and is funded by a grant from the JCK Industry Fund.
A Jeweler’s Guide to Apprenticeships is available for $29.50 (MJSA members receive a 15 percent discount.) To learn more or order the book, visit Publications on MJSA.org under MJSA Books or contact Publisher Rich Youmans at 1-800-444-MJSA, ext. 3025, [email protected].
