Aston University receives grant for new jewellery training centre

The Goldsmith’s Company has given Aston University Engineering Academy (AUEA) a £500,000 grant for a new jewellery training centre.

The new £1m institute will be based in the AUEA’s new vocational skills building, funded by the Goldsmiths Landmark grant plus match funding.

The grant was awarded following a competitive application process to access the Goldsmiths’ Company landmark programme funding,

The programme funding was set up to celebrate Goldsmith’s 700th anniversary in 2027.

The new Institute already has the backing of 10 key local employers, including Fattorini and Co, Weston Beamor, Cooksongold, Hockley Mint and the National Association of Jewellers.

Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter has more than 800 businesses, 100 specialist retailers and 50 contemporary designer makers.

Daniel Locke-Wheaton, principal of AUEA, said: “Students at the Academy will have the opportunity to learn and have design-based training, including a dedicated post-GCSE Level 3 Jewellery qualification.

“The institute will not only drive skills and design-based learning across Years 9 to sixth form, it will have dedicated state-of-the-art workshops for goldsmithing, silversmithing and allied trades open to post-16 learners and the wider community.”

Professor Charles Mackworth-Young, prime warden of the Goldsmiths’ Company, said: “The landmark grants programme underscores the Goldsmiths’ Company Charity’s determination to increase the impact of our charitable giving and our enduring focus on the development of skills in our trade and beyond. The four grants announced today will help these organisations to achieve real change in the skills people develop and the outcomes they achieve.”