There will always be some grumbles and disatisfaction when you are
teaching adults. Can not please them all. BUT ! ! !
ATTENTION, THERE IS ANOTHER JEWELRY SCHOOL OR TWO OUT THERE. IF YOU
DO NOT KNOW OF US, YOU ARE REALLY MISSING SOMETHING.
I am amazed that throughout this thread there has been no mention of
the school I represent. The California Institute of Jewelry Training.
For over 25 years we have been training jewelers for the trade,
hundreds of graduates of an arduous 5 days per week, hands on
training program that results in where the graduate wants to go in
the trade. Program runs from 14 to 28 weeks, with lots of
opportunities for goodies, such as enameling and cloisonn� by Linda
Crawford, a Orchid contributor over the years. The jewelry arts
program runs year round, in a state of the art facility, with state
of the art equipment and tools. The school is stand alone with
several classrooms and recently we started offering a full gemology
program. The Gemmological Association of Great Britain, F.G.A.
Diploma class. It is very exciting. And, the MasterValuer Jewelry
Appraisal program developed by the late Anna Miller. CIJT and Korea
Jewelry Institute are now owners/partners of her program.
Oh, another thing, we are authorized by the federal government to
enroll non-immigrant students. We are California Private
Postsecondary Approved, V.A. approved and Disabled Veterans and
Department of Rehabilitation Approved and are in the process of
school development in other countries throughout the world. We are
progressive educators.
I guess our graduates are not as involved in Orchid because they are
mostly independent bench jewelers, employees of jewelry stores or
independent store owners, therefore you do not hear about us. But,
we do have a banner on Orchid.
The CIJT program is intense, hands on, open enrollment so the
student does not have to continually try to keep up or wait for those
who do not progress at the same level. It is not rigid, but
enjoyable and each student is trained on their individual merit.
Unlike most schools, our teachers are full time, year round with
benefits, we have two and one-half instructors on the classroom floor
at all times. The instructors stay for years and the only ones who
do not last are the “prima donna’s” who spend their time telling how
good they are and what we do wrong in our teaching methods. They
don’t last long and fortunately, we have only had a few.
Our graduate jewelers work for fine designers and artists, retail
stores, independent jewelers and trade shops. Many are self employed
artist designers who could not be successful with out the strong
skills we offer at CIJT. Call for references, we have hundreds…
We have constant calls from employers looking for our graduates. We
have more jobs that we can fill, call us if you want some leads, but
we need a complete resume’ from you. They are all good jobs, they
are not the standard, underappreciated trade shop working jobs, and
if they are in a trade shop, they are paid very well.
On last thing, regarding the other jewelry schools mentioned in this
thread. We often have students enroll with us after looking at
alternatives; we have been the school of their choice. I will not
comment about their programs, I am sure they all think they have the
best as I do. But, it is your responsibility to check us out as
well. Do your homework, call me, would love to talk to you,
By the way, we have a few openings for instructors. They are
jeweler/goldsmith, F.G.A. diploma holder and Shop tech. We also
have openings for workshop presenters. Lining up for 2004. Have a
great holiday season.
Sincerely,
Dee Huth, Director/Founder
California Institute of Jewelry Training
5800 Winding Way, Carmichael, CA. (suburb of Sacramento, CA)
www.jewelrytraining.com