As part of the initiative, WorldSkills Australia will hold skilled-based competitions for apprentices, trainees and students across the three-day trade show.
WorldSkills Australia general manager and technical delegate Brigitte Collins said each day would comprise a different competition that would test participants’ ability to make a piece of jewellery to certain specifications within an allocated time frame.
“Each competition will take one day to complete and individuals will be challenged against their peers to show who is the best in their chosen skill,” Collins explained.
“Competitors will be required to undertake specific tasks in order to complete the set project. This project is designed to test not only basic skills of the competitors but also how they can innovate and explore new ideas.”
Collins added that successful competitors would have the opportunity to progress to a number of “career-boosting pathways”.
“In addition to potentially competing for gold, silver and bronze medals nationally and internationally as members of the Skillaroos – the WorldSkills Australia international team – there are leadership programs and scholarships for young men and women to become their very best,” she explained.
Gary Fitz-Roy, managing director of IJF organiser Expertise Events, said including WorldSkills Australia at the fair was a way to help support upcoming jewellers.
“This project is dedicated to apprentices competing nationally and internationally specifically in the jewellery category and we hope as a result, Australia will find itself in the winner’s circle at the next championships,” Fitz-Roy commented.
Further support
An exhibition focused on “hand skills” and organised by Sydney TAFE’s Design Centre Enmore would also be added to this year’s IJF schedule.
“The Sydney Design Centre is planning a special themed exhibition showcasing the work of their talented students, [which will] provide an opportunity for the industry to gain an insight into the emerging stars of the future,” Fitz-Roy said.
In addition, the Jewellery Institute of Australia will provide live hand engraving and diamond setting demonstrations. Visitors will also have the opportunity to learn how to use CAD/CAM software from The CAD Jewelry School.
Fitz-Roy explained that this year’s focus on supporting the “future of the industry” added to a wide range of sponsorship deals and initiatives for young jewellers conducted by Expertise Events in the past.
“We want to continue to support the wonderful Australian jewellery industry,” he said.
The news follows an announcement by Expertise Events last month that the IJF would include a new Timepiece Pavilion.
Fitz-Roy said the pavilion would be given a prominent position and provide visitors with the opportunity to view the latest 2017 and 2018 watch and clock releases.
This year also marks the launch of the Jewellery Design Awards (JDA). Held in conjunction with the IJF, the competition was developed by Expertise Events as a way to encourage and promote Australian and New Zealand jewellers working in all areas of the trade.
The IJF will take place at the re-developed International Convention Centre (ICC) at Darling Harbour from 26 August to 28 August.
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