Members of Nationwide Jewellers have been asked to nominate their jewellery and watchmaking apprentices to receive a choice of a $500 tools voucher or $400 to put towards trade course fees and expenses.
The lack of support for apprentices has been an industry concern for a number of years, and Nationwide director Colin Pocklington said it was with this in mind that the buying group had decided to continue its scheme.
“There is very little government support for jewellery apprentices, so it is important that large organisations like Nationwide help in some way to ensure a healthy future for our industry,” he said.
The program was introduced in 2009 and Pocklington said it had contributed more than $50,000 in support. Members have until Tuesday 31 March to submit applications.
Nationwide also organises an annual award scheme for apprentices, with the winner announced at the International Jewellery Fair in Sydney.
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