The annual awards are held to celebrate students graduating with a Certificate III in Jewellery Manufacturing, with entries forming part of their final assessment.
Graduates are given four weeks to design and manufacture three pieces of jewellery to fit a specific criteria and theme; the theme for this year’s entries was ‘Madness’.
The awards were presented at a gala dinner on 6 November, held at TAFE Queensland’s hospitality training venue in Brisbane with more than 60 guests in attendance.
As well as being recognised as Jewellery Apprentice of the Year, Guy, 21, also received the Best Technical Aspects award, which recognises quality workmanship and finishing, durability, and wearability.
His prizes included a $250 voucher, courtesy of Peter W Beck, a collection of silver, rose gold and diamond jewellery from Artisans Bespoke Jewellery in Brisbane, and a $300 voucher from Australian Jewellers Supplies.
“Winning two awards was a total surprise – I certainly wasn’t expecting to win and I didn’t have a speech planned or anything,” Guy said.
“My classmates and I put in a lot of work for these awards and the quality of everyone’s designs was really impressive. I don’t envy the judges who had to choose the winner!”
That sentiment was echoed by Dr Paul Wilson, general manager – Brisbane for TAFE Queensland, who attended the ceremony.
“It is incredible to think that the stunning pieces on display have been created by students – young people, who are only just starting in the industry. Everyone was amazed by the range of talent entering the industry – it’s very exciting, particularly when jewellery manufacturing, like all manufacturing, has been impacted during COVID-19,” Dr Wilson said.
Guy praised his instructors at TAFE Queensland and the structure of the jewellery manufacturing course.
“I have loved my block training through TAFE Queensland. My instructor [Jane Foster] was particularly helpful and always happy to demonstrate things whenever I asked. When I return to work after my training, I notice my skills have been enhanced. I found TAFE Queensland’s hands-on training hugely beneficial,” he explained.
Full list of winners
• Best Overall Design Award – Shay Daly, Goldleaf Enterprises (Woolloongabba)
• Best Technical Aspects Award – Ryan Guy, Gemcraft Australia (Newstead)
• Best Design Folio Award – Wendy Barrett, Flair Jewellery (Sunshine Coast)
• Queensland Jewellery Apprentice of the Year Award – Ryan Guy, Gemcraft Australia (Newstead)
• Employer of the Queensland Jewellery Apprentice of the Year – Gemcraft Australia (Newstead)
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