Standing for hours in a queue to submit his CV and interact with the exhibitors at the Ekurhuleni Career Expo and Job Summit, in 2014, proved to be the first step to a new life for 18-year-old Thuthuka Jewellery Awards prize recipient Thabo Maluke.
“When my study bursary was terminated after I had completed my first year in jewellery making, I saw my dreams shattering right before my eyes,” he said.
“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 an esteemed jewellery designer.”
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 18-month jewellery manufacturing course at the Ekurhuleni Jewellery Project (EJP), in Germiston.
On the course, he and 19 other trainees are being taught to design, polish, cast and clean trinkets.
Thus far, he has completed 26 of the 32 designs which are required of him to graduate from the programme.
He is currently working on his next jewellery piece, that he is set to enter into the 2015/16 Thuthuka competition.
“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,” Maluke said.
“At the competition one gets to learn about different designs and techniques, making one eager to know how other designers have perfected their pieces.”
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,” he said.
“Having the practical experience puts a person one step ahead of their counterparts who went to universities, because the Ekurhuleni Jewellery Project offers practical experience.
“Industries often look for people with experience, and practical work is also the stepping stone that affords entrepreneurs the opportunity to start up their own businesses after graduating from the programme.”
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 metro’s economic development department, and to look out for advertisements calling for applications to the Ekurhuleni Jewellery Project.
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