Goldsmith

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to specialise in working with gold and other precious metals and non-metals in order to make and repair jewellery such as rings, brooches, chains and bracelets and craft objects out of metals and non-metals. A qualified learner will be able to: • Manufacture basic jewellery using non- ferrous metals. • Produce a variety of categories of jewellery. • Plan, manufacture and repair complex jewellery items.

The jewellery industry has identified the manufacturing of jewellery as a critical skill. The majority of commercial jewellery in South Africa is imported. Rapid technological development has necessitated the need for the manufacturing of high quality jewellery in South Africa thus bringing about a critical need in the industry to ensure existing craftsmen become more productive. Currently there is a shortage of goldsmiths who can manufacture jewellery for the South African market. This qualification will produce more skilled goldsmiths who will be able to raise the standard in order to make the industry more competitive. This qualification will also increase the technical proficiency and size of the workforce who will be able to satisfy the local demands for manufactured jewellery without having to rely on imports. The majority of the learners entering this qualification are likely to be school leavers or those working in the jewellery manufacturing industry as craftsmen. Current jewellery manufacturing craftsmen in particular will benefit from the opportunities of assessment and subsequent recognition presented by RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning). Qualifying learners will be appointed as apprentices under the guidance of a Goldsmith in a jewellery manufacturing environment. Therefore such learners will be able to find employment with ease as they will have the necessary knowledge and skills in the jewellery manufacturing processes and techniques. This qualification integrates three registered qualifications across NQF Levels 2, 3 and 4 to meet the requirements of a single trade qualification.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): RPL for access to the integrated assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of results or certifying a work experience record. RPL for entry requirements to access the qualification: Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements. Entry Requirements: • NQF Level 1, with Mathematics and Science.

• Conduct jewellery metal work (melting, rolling, measuring, marking, scoring, punching, piecing, drilling, forging, filing, soldering, papering, polishing, wire drawing).
• Interpret jewellery designs (read design, specifications, and proportions and the basic planning of the manufacturing process, material reconciliation).
• Manufacture a variety of complex jewellery items: rings, brooches, pendants and earrings (clusters and galleries must be included).