Australian industry buying group Nationwide Jewellers has confirmed a significant increase in its support for jewellery and watchmaking apprentices. | Source: Vista Create
Nationwide Jewellers raises much-needed support for apprentices
Posted February 27, 2025 | By Samuel Ord
Australian industry buying group Nationwide Jewellers has confirmed a significant increase in its support for jewellery and watchmaking apprentices.
<p>For the past two decades, Nationwide&rsquo;s Apprentice Assistance subsidy has provided financial support for apprentices to counter cost-of-living pressures.</p><p>That support has been increased significantly this year, with apprentices now able to choose between $700 in cash to assist with tertiary fees or an $800 tools voucher. That is an increase of 75 per cent and 60 per cent, respectively.</p><p>The tool vouchers can be redeemed at Australian Jewellers Supplies (Australia) or G &amp; A Warburtons (New Zealand) &ndash; two businesses that have supported the program since 2010.</p><p>Nationwide&rsquo;s membership manager, Erin Keller, said the move reinforced the group&rsquo;s commitment to the future of the local jewellery industry.</p><p></p><p>&ldquo;In 2024, 21 Nationwide apprentices benefitted from the support scheme, and we are expecting increased enrolments in 2025,&rdquo; she told <em>Jeweller</em>.</p><p>&ldquo;The increased benefits for apprentices recognises the importance we place on supporting our industry, and particularly those who are starting their careers in the jewellery industry&rdquo;.</p><p>She added: &ldquo;By continuing to invest in our apprentices, we are ensuring a strong and vibrant future for our industry.&rdquo;</p><p>Nationwide&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.jewellermagazine.com/Article/13447/Fireworks-Nationwide-Jewellers-lights-up-Sydney-with-annual-awards" target="_blank">Apprentice of the Year</a> competition will also return in August, with the winner crowned during the <a href="https://www.jewellermagazine.com/Article/13454/International-Jewellery-Fair-2024-Three-buying-groups-under-one-roof" target="_blank">International Jewellery Fair</a> in Sydney.</p><p>Australia&rsquo;s emerging jewellery manufacturers were a key focus at the 2024 Sydney Fair, highlighted by the popular <a href="https://www.jewellermagazine.com/Article2/13446/International-Jewellery-Fair-2024-Young-jewellers-shine-in-the-spotlight" target="_blank">Mystery Box Challenge</a>.</p><p><em>Jeweller&rsquo;s 2025 Buying Group Report</em> recognised Nationwide Jewellers as Australasia&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.jewellermagazine.com/Article2/13787/State-of-play-in-2025-Australias-Independent-Jewellery-Landscape" target="_blank">largest industry group</a>, with 364 members and 428 stores. The group also has 73 members and 80 stores in New Zealand.</p><p>For further information, contact Erin Keller on 02 9418 0000 or at erin@nationwidejewellers.com.</p><p><strong>More reading</strong><br /><a href="https://www.jewellermagazine.com/Article/13826/Nationwide-completes-business-deep-dive-in-New-Zealand" target="_blank">Nationwide completes business deep dive in New Zealand</a><br /><a href="https://www.jewellermagazine.com/Article2/13782/Bridal-jewellery-in-the-digital-age-The-art-of-engagement" target="_blank">Bridal jewellery in the digital age: The art of engagement</a><br /><a href="https://www.jewellermagazine.com/Article2/13787/State-of-play-in-2025-Australias-Independent-Jewellery-Landscape" target="_blank">State of play in 2025: Australia&rsquo;s Independent Jewellery Landscape</a><br /><a href="https://www.jewellermagazine.com/Article2/13788/Nationwide-Jewellers-2025-Buying-Groups-Report" target="_blank">Nationwide Jewellers | 2025 Buying Groups Report</a><br /><a href="https://www.jewellermagazine.com/Article/13796/Melbourne-trade-show-begins-busy-year-for-jewellers" target="_blank">Melbourne trade show begins busy year for jewellers</a><br /><a href="https://www.jewellermagazine.com/Article/13478/Global-Jewellers-Network-US-visitors-fascinated-by-Australian-opal-presentation" target="_blank">Global Jewellers Network: US visitors fascinated by Australian opal presentation</a><br /><a href="https://www.jewellermagazine.com/Article/13454/International-Jewellery-Fair-2024-Three-buying-groups-under-one-roof" target="_blank">International Jewellery Fair 2024: Three buying groups under one roof</a><br /><a href="https://www.jewellermagazine.com/Article/13447/Fireworks-Nationwide-Jewellers-lights-up-Sydney-with-annual-awards" target="_blank">Fireworks: Nationwide Jewellers lights up Sydney with annual awards</a><br /><a href="https://www.jewellermagazine.com/Article/13207/High-stakes-Nationwide-releases-new-book-ahead-of-Sydney-Fair" target="_blank">High stakes: Nationwide releases new book ahead of Sydney Fair</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p>