MajorsDec 13, 2023
NDC, BIJC Launch Jewelry Education Program for High School Students MajorsFeb 07, 2024
MJSA Apprenticeship Program Gets New Designation From Dept. of Labor
It could mean federal funding opportunities and tax credits for jewelers who adopt the curriculum.
MJSA’s Mentor & Apprenticeship Program was recently approved as National Guidelines Standard by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship.
New York—MJSA’s Mentor & Apprenticeship Program has received an approval from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) that opens new doors for participants.
It was approved as National Guidelines Standard (NGS) by the Office of Apprenticeship, which recognizes the program as a model for developing bench jeweler programs.
The MJSA program, overseen by its Education Foundation, provides 50 weeks of curriculum that gives step-by-step guidance on how to teach apprentices bench jeweler skills, which jewelers can use as a foundation for developing their own apprenticeship programs.
The new designation “provides a pathway for jewelers who adopt [MJSA’s] curriculum to seek national or state registration and access to benefits such as technical assistance and tax credits,” explained MJSA.
When combined with a training component, like classroom instruction or in-house technical training, jewelers can—thanks to the NGS designation—register their apprenticeship programs on a state or national level, which could make them eligible for benefits like federal funding opportunities, free technical assistance and, in select states, tax credits.
Related stories will be right here …
It was approved as National Guidelines Standard (NGS) by the Office of Apprenticeship, which recognizes the program as a model for developing bench jeweler programs.
The MJSA program, overseen by its Education Foundation, provides 50 weeks of curriculum that gives step-by-step guidance on how to teach apprentices bench jeweler skills, which jewelers can use as a foundation for developing their own apprenticeship programs.
The new designation “provides a pathway for jewelers who adopt [MJSA’s] curriculum to seek national or state registration and access to benefits such as technical assistance and tax credits,” explained MJSA.
When combined with a training component, like classroom instruction or in-house technical training, jewelers can—thanks to the NGS designation—register their apprenticeship programs on a state or national level, which could make them eligible for benefits like federal funding opportunities, free technical assistance and, in select states, tax credits.
“MJSA members continue to ask us for help in finding and training workers, and this certification will help them in creating apprenticeships that attract and train the talent they need,” said Steven Cipolla, chair of the MJSA Education Foundation.
“The MJSA curriculum allows jewelers to register their own programs more easily, since it’s recognized by the Office of Apprenticeship and state apprenticeship agencies.”
Jewelry designer and instructor Nanz Aalund, who wrote “A Jeweler’s Guide to Apprenticeships,” created the MJSA curriculum. The program is supported by a grant from the JCK Industry Fund.
Those who complete the program receive certification by MJSA as an Advanced Jewelry Apprentice.
The curriculum is part of a training package that also includes assessment tests, a guide to creating a culture that promotes employee retention, and a list of suppliers offering benches and related equipment.
Participants also have access to free digital texts and curated videos through the MJSA Online Library.
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Training Package is free to those in the industry.
To learn more about the program, visit the MJSA website or contact Rich Youmans, executive director of the MJSA Education Foundation, at 1-800-444-6572, ext. 3025, or rich.youmans@mjsa.org.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Majors
The Latest
AuctionsMay 15, 2026
American Collector Ponies Up Almost $17K for John Wayne’s RingThe Western star’s 14-karat gold signet ring sold for six times its low estimate following a bidding war at U.K. auction house Elmwood’s.
Events & AwardsMay 15, 2026
JA, MJSA To Sponsor Roundtable at TJSThe discussion, "Rebuilding the Jewelry Workforce," will take place on Saturday, May 16, in Troy, Michigan.
SourcingMay 15, 2026
State of Diamonds: The Way Forward for Natural DiamondsThe jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
AuctionsMay 14, 2026
White Diamonds Lead Sotheby’s Auction, Blue Diamond Does Not SellA matching pair of 18.38-carat, D-color diamonds from Botswana’s Jwaneng mine sold for $3.3 million, the top lot of the jewelry auction.
Weekly QuizMay 14, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Supplier BulletinMay 14, 2026
A Diamond Is Forever Continues Desert Diamonds – Bridal ReinvigoratedSponsored by A Diamond Is Forever
SourcingMay 14, 2026
State of Colored Stones: The Spirit of Young American Gemstone CuttersThe next generation of lapidarists are entrepreneurial, engaged online, and see the craft as a means for artistic expression.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
AuctionsMay 14, 2026
‘Ocean Dream’ Makes Waves at Christie’s, Fetching $17MIt was the second auction appearance for the fancy vivid blue-green diamond, which sold for $7.8 million at Christie’s Geneva 12 years ago.
CrimeMay 14, 2026
Second Man Arrested in Florida Pawn Shop Shooting Members of the U.S. Marshals Task Force took a 22-year-old man into custody. He was charged with tampering with evidence.
CrimeMay 13, 2026
JSA’s 2025 Crime Report Shows ‘Concerning’ Rise in ViolenceWhile the overall number of crimes was down, there were more incidences in which robbers pulled out guns, mace, or rammed cars into stores.
IndependentsMay 13, 2026
New Orleans Jeweler Closing Canal Place StoreJack Sutton Fine Jewelry is closing its store inside the downtown shopping center after 40 years in business.
SourcingMay 13, 2026
Smithsonian Acquires ‘Winston Red’ Diamond PaintingReena Ahluwalia’s painting of the rare red diamond is the first contemporary painting to join the National Gem Collection.
TrendsMay 13, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will SurviveThe price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.
ColumnistsMay 12, 2026
It’s Official: We’re Getting ‘Brain Rot’ From Watching Short-Form Videos Peter Smith gives tips on leading meetings, developing marketing, and making trade show appointments in the age of short attention spans.
CollectionsMay 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Debuts Antique Coin-Inspired Medallions for SummerThe 11-piece “Medallions” capsule collection features five motifs: a crying eye, a heart on fire, a spiral, a flower, and a swallow.
IndependentsMay 12, 2026
State of Retail: 6 Things Retailers Should Know About Consumers TodayFrom Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.
Events & AwardsMay 12, 2026
The Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award Is BackThe partners have announced the second cycle of the program, which has expanded to include a $25,000 student scholarship.
IndependentsMay 11, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Closing After 70 YearsThe owners of Staats Jewelers are heading into retirement.
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Former Macy’s CEO Joins Signet Jewelers BoardJeffrey Gennette, who retired in 2024 after 41 years with Macy’s, is the newest member of the jewelry retailer’s board of directors.
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Lucky May May babies are lucky to have emeralds, a gemstone admired for centuries, as their birthstone, writes Amanda Gizzi.
TechnologyMay 11, 2026
Clientbook’s New Tool Helps Jewelers Plan In-Store EventsThe new module allows retailers to plan, promote, and measure the success of events from a single dashboard.
Lab-GrownMay 08, 2026
NDC Publicly Criticizes Pandora Over ‘Misleading’ Natural Diamond ClaimsNDC said in an open letter that Pandora’s statements about the carbon footprint of lab grown versus natural diamonds are inaccurate.
SourcingMay 08, 2026
Ronnie VanderLinden Takes Over as WDC President The diamantaire and industry leader succeeds Feriel Zerouki and said he will focus on being a “champion” for natural diamonds.
TrendsMay 08, 2026
Rihanna Chooses ‘Desert Diamonds’ for 2026 Met GalaShe wore our Piece of the Week, Glenn Spiro’s “Old Moghul Golconda” earrings, featuring fancy brown-yellow diamonds totaling 51.90 carats.
Events & AwardsMay 08, 2026
JA Announces 2026 CASE Award WinnersTwo pieces were named “Best in Show,” one from the retail category and one from the supplier category.
FinancialsMay 07, 2026
Brilliant Earth Appeals to Higher-Income Shoppers in Q1The jewelry retailer noted resilience among its higher-end customers while demand softened for its lower-priced offerings.
