Career expo unlocks opportunities for jewellery designers
“When my study bursary was terminated after completing my first year in jewellery making, I saw my dreams shattering right before my eyes."
Standing for hours in a queue to submit his CV and interact with the exhibitors at the Ekurhuleni Career Expo and Job Summit, back in 2014, proved to be the first step to a new life for 18-year-old Thabo Maluke.
Maluke was the Thuthuka Jewellery Awards prize recipient.
“When my study bursary was terminated after completing my first year in jewellery making, I saw my dreams shattering right before my eyes. The Career Expo was my last resort and I told myself, if this does not work out, I will change careers and forget about becoming a jewellery designer,” said Maluke.
His last shot turned out to be the key to unlocking his dream. After his CV was registered on a database, Maluke was called in for an interview where he completed a competency test in jewellery design and mathematics. Following a successful interview, he started the one and a half year jewellery manufacturing training course at the Ekurhuleni Jewellery Project (EJP).
Mr Themba Gadebe, the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM) spokesperson, said in the course, the trainees were taught to design, polish, cast and clean trinkets.
“Thus far, he has completed 26 of his 32 designs, which are required of him to graduate from the programme. He is currently working on his next jewellery piece that he entered into the 2015/16 Thuthuka competition,” said Mr Gadebe.
“Being commended at last year’s competition gave me exposure to the industry, what it is about and what it has to offer while I am still a student. At the competition, one gets to learn about different designs and techniques, making one eager to know how other designers have perfected their pieces,” said Maluke.
Mr Lincon Mokoena, a qualified goldsmith who offers training at the EJP for emerging designers, explained the importance of training and developing emerging designers.
“The market is looking for skills and not theory. Having the practical experience puts one a step ahead of their counterparts who went to universities, because the Ekurhuleni Jewellery School offers practical experience,” he said.
“Industries often look for people with experience and practical work is the stepping stone that affords entrepreneurs the opportunity to start up their own businesses after graduating from the programme,” he said.
Mr Gadebe said the centre infuses skills in both handmade and machine-produced jewellery, creating all-round designers who can perfect both handwork and machinery designs.
Emerging designers are encouraged to visit the annual Ekurhuleni Career Expo, spearheaded by the EMM’s Economic Development Department, and look out for adverts calling for applications into the Ekurhuleni Jewellery Project.
