Ekurhuleni Jewellery Project (EJP) is a non-profit training centre and start-up incubator supported by the Small Enterprise Development Agency, Rand Refinery and EMM. Driven by their mission to support emerging jewellers, they provide access to minerals, production services and fully equipped workshops, culminating in nationally recognised qualifications. By placing great emphasis on developing business accumen, students are guided to create sustainable careers for themselves and others.
A blend of technical jewellery skills and theoretical training is taught by fully qualified and practicing jewellers with over 100 years combined expertise. Senior trainer Lincoln Mokoena is passionate about uplifting the youth and marginalised communities through the art of jewellery manufacturing, and is himself an award-winning Goldsmith. His accolades include placing in the AngloGold Ashanti Auditions, as a finalist in the Anglo Plat awards, and taking First Place at the Thuthuka Jewellery Competition on five occasions.
It’s no wonder that under his direction and care, his students consistently dominate the Thuthuka Jewellery Awards. The JCSA Collection Awards are another competition they place well at, and EJP students also designed and manufactured the trophy for the 2017 competition.
The Project’s 12 month “Training for the Trade” programme addresses the unemployment and skills development challenges facing both the local community and the jewellery industry in South Africa, and they have also recently introduced a 3-4 year MQA Goldsmith programme.
Since opening its doors in 2009, EJP has trained approximately 100 students, with over 70% either entering full-time positions within the jewellery sector or starting their own businesses. Most of the latter move onto EJP’s 3-year business incubation programme which includes mentoring, coaching and support, technical and administrative assistance, use of state-of the-art equipment and access to networking and marketing opportunities.
Their incubators are stand-alone mini workshops, assisting entrepreneurs and small businesses to survive and grow through the difficult and vulnerable early stages of development. The Youth Entrepreneurship Empowerment Programme educates students about business models, marketing and financing and builds the confidence needed to thirve in a competitive and challenging market.
Student in-take occurs bi-annually depending on workshop space, and by a selection process that assesses the technical ability, hand-eye coordination and mathematical and general knowledge of each applicant.
Contact Colin Campbell on:
colin@ejewellery.org.za
Office: + 27 11 825 5822
Cell: +27 84 095 2496
ejpreloaded.wixsite.com
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