The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench Jewelers

Brought To You By The Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America (MJSA)

Apprenticeships were once a vital part of the jewelry industry's recruiting and training regimen. They allowed businesses to transfer knowledge from one generation to the next, avoiding the "brain drain" that can occur as veteran workers retire (and take with them decades of expertise). Apprenticeships also presented recognizable career paths to younger workers, enticing them into the industry's workforce. 

The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program aims to revitalize this practice and, in so doing, help alleviate the industry's shortage of bench jewelers. Launched in 2023 with the help of a JCK Industry Fund Grant, the program provides the tools needed by professional jewelers to find qualified workers and train them properly in core bench skills. In addition, as the industry's first Registered Apprenticeship Program approved by the U.S. Department of Labor, it offers access to support—including potential funding—through state and federal workforce development programs. 

"Manufacturers and retailers alike have been struggling to find bench jewelers, and the MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program has become a key tool in helping them to find, train, and retain qualified help," says Lee Krombholz, chair of the MJSA Education Foundation, the 501(c)3 non-profit that oversees the program.

"Apprenticeship programs were once a crucial conduit for new talent and passing on expertise, and we have to keep that pipeline of knowledge flowing." 

At the program's core is a free 50-week curriculum (available as a PDF) that outlines weekly topics, resources, and tasks that mentors can use to train the apprentices. The curriculum was developed by Nanz Aalund, author of the MJSA Press book A Jeweler's Guide to Apprenticeships, who also developed the curriculum. The successful completion of the program leads to the nationally recognized Advanced Jewelry Apprentice certification. 

“The curriculum is well laid out and planned,” says Steve Cook, who is currently mentoring apprentice Leslie Miller at Hope Jewelers in Tipton, Indiana. “It took a tremendous amount of pressure off me—I didn’t have to create lesson plans.”  

In addition, the program provides: 

• Access to more than 200 online technical videos and resources, all free to MJSA members. 
• Assessment tests to help jewelers with the selection of apprentice candidates. 
• A short guide to creating a shop culture that produces a high retention rate among apprentices. 

Copies of the training kit are available free of charge. To obtain a copy and learn more, contact Rich Youmans, executive director of the MJSA Education Foundation, at rich.youmans@mjsa.org or 800-223-0673, ext. 8073.