Entry forms have been sent to Nationwide members across the two countries, and apprentices working in all member stores are invited to compete.
For the first time, the Apprentice of The Year Competition will be structured around a detailed customer brief with thoughts, ideas, and budget included, to reflect the market demand for custom-made jewellery, with the complexity of the brief varying for each of the four apprentice years.
Entrants will be judged on their ability to interpret the brief in a professional manner, as well as project a quote for the design at wholesale and retail.
The brief has been set by Niven McArthur, merchandise and marketing director Nationwide, who is a qualified manufacturing jeweller.
“We see continued strong growth in custom design, and the need for young jewellers to develop their skills in working with customers, and project costing, to ensure a successful and profitable outcome,” McArthur said.
Entrants have until 2 November 2020 to submit their finished entry, with the winner announced in mid-November. They will be awarded the Nathan Cameron Perpetual trophy and a prize valued at $1,000.
Judy Cameron, of Camerons Fine Jewellers in Swan Hill, Victoria, will be part of the judging panel, alongside McArthur and Nationwide’s diamond and gemstone expert, Cindy Eidukevicius-Jones.
The contest has been slightly delayed this year by the COVID-19 pandemic; it was initially scheduled to begin in June, with the winners announced at the International Jewellery & Watch Fair.
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