Industry Entry Guide

How to get in to the industry

Before employment as Trade Certified Tradesman into the Jewellery industry all Apprentices must complete '7471 Stage 1 JIRBNZ Certificate of Achievement in Jewellery Manufacturing Theory- Level 2'.

Once this has been successfully passed, permission is granted to enrol in 7472 Stage 2 and 7473 Stage 3.

It is recommended that anyone looking for employment in the industry whether it be in manufacturing or retail enrolls in '7471 Stage 1 JIRBNZ Certificate of Achievement in Jewellery Manufacturing Theory - Level 2'. This gives an excellent insight into the trade along with valuable product knowledge (see link below to material contained).

On successful completion of 7471 Stage, you will receive the Jewellery Industry Registration Board of New Zealand Certificate of Achievement 7471 Stage1 Jewellery Manufacturing theory.

In the event of successfully securing an apprenticeship registered with the JIRBNZ, it is recognised by the JIRBNZ that the '7471 Stage 1 JIRBNZ Certificate of Achievement in Jewellery Manufacturing Theory -Level 2' that may have been completed prior to gaining a registered apprenticeship will be recognised as such by JIRBNZ and be automatically recorded as completed in the Apprentices Workshop Training Record Book.

This is also for the case should 7472 Stage 2 and 7473 Stage 3 be also undertaken prior.

The successful completion of the '7471 Stage 1 JIRBNZ Certificate of Achievement in Jewellery Manufacturing Theory - Level 2' and 7472 Stage 2 and 7473 Stage 3 of JIRBNZOP3238 Certificate in Jewellery Manufacturing Theory is a mandatory requirement for apprentices to have recorded as successfully completed in the JIRBNZ issued Apprentice Workshop Training Record Books.

Completion is therefore mandatory to satisfy the requirements of the registered Apprenticeship agreements. This course is studied by distance learning and contact us for more information.

JIRBNZ OP3238 Certificate in Jewellery Manufacturing Theory Level 3

The purpose of The JIRBNZ Certificate in Jewellery Manufacturing Theory 7471 Stage 1 JIRBNZ Certificate of Achievement in Jewellery Manufacturing Theory - Level 2 and 7472 Stage 2 and 7473 Stage 3 is to provide students with theoretical knowledge in Jewellery Manufacturing Theory of workshops, tooling, manufacturing processes, setting of gemstones and engraving, products produced, gemstone characteristics, and historical manufacturing and calculator techniques.

Students are asked to demonstrate an understanding of each assignment by undertaking a short series of reflective questions contained at the end of each assignment. One formal nationwide Trade Certificate examination is held in November of each year and is only necessary for the completion of 7473 Stage 3.

The OP3238 Certificate in Jewellery Manufacturing Theory is a level 3 course leading to in some cases apprenticeship training. Traditional apprenticeship training sits at Level 4.

As part of completing the full requirements of an apprenticeship in Manufacturing Jewellery, you must pass the following three courses.

Entry requirements

Eight credits at level 1 from anywhere within the NZQA domains of reading & writing or NCEA equivalent, i.e. 5th Form.

The entry requirements for '7471 Stage 1 Theory' will be waived if our Academic Registrar is satisfied that your educational qualifications or documented work or life experiences show you capable of successfully completing the course.

Fees and costs

7471 Stage 1 JIRBNZ Certificate of Achievement in Jewellery Manufacturing Theory - Level 2
- New Zealand Apprentices and Public Students
- $1300.00+GST ($1495 Inclusive of GST) per stage.
7472 Stage 2 Design and 7473 Stage 3 Manufacture
- New Zealand Apprentices and Public Students
- $1300.00+GST ($1495 Inclusive of GST) per stage.

International Students

7471 $1735.00 + GST
7472 $1735.00 + GST
7473 $1735.00 + GST

Fees are expressed in NZ$. Fees may be subject to change.
JIRBNZ cannot confirm your enrolment or send your course materials until your fees have been paid

Contact JIRBNZ for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is "recognised prior learning"?

Recognised prior learning (RPL) can be applied to the term of the contract but is assessed on an individual case basis, in consultation with the employer offering the apprenticeship. Any cost associated with this process is to be met by the applicant.

To initiate RPL you must submit a request to JIRBNZ and supply your employment and training history.

Should I take on an apprentice, am I obliged to employ the apprentice for the full period of the apprenticeship?

Yes. You will will sign a legally binding contract in which you agree to train the apprentice throughout the period of the apprenticeship. However, every apprentice shall be subject to a probation period of three months from the commencement of the apprenticeship. The purpose of this probation period is to enable the employer to assess whether the apprentice is capable of learning the skills and theory of the industry and to enable the apprentice to assess whether he/she wishes and/or is able to learn the skills and theory of the industry. During the probation period the employer or the apprentice may terminate the apprenticeship training agreement at any time. However, this does not override the personal grievance provisions of the Employment Contracts Act.

Useful links

How to get into the Industry
All apprentices must complete Stage 1, 2 & 3 of the JIRBNZ correspondence courses in Manufacturing Jewellery. It is recommended that anyone looking for employment in the industry completes Stage 1 of this course whether it be manufacturing or retail.

Gemmological Association of New Zealand
GANZ promotes gemmology and assists with education in gemmology in New Zealand through tutorials and seminars. The Association welcomes new members and is available to discuss and help in any way possible.