Events & AwardsApr 01, 2025
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TJS to Host Discussion on Jewelry Industry’s Labor Shortage
The roundtable will take place May 17 ahead of the trade show’s welcome dinner.
The Jewelry Symposium (TJS) announced the “Workforce at Risk” roundtable discussion will take place May 17, the first day of its annual show at the Detroit Marriott Troy.
Troy, Mich.—The Jewelry Symposium (TJS), an event centered on the advancement of jewelry manufacturing technology, will host a roundtable discussion focused on the skilled labor shortage during its upcoming trade show, set for May 17-20.
Titled “Workforce at Risk,” the event invites representatives of all jewelry professions to discuss the industry’s current shortage of skilled labor and the attrition of skillsets occurring as seasoned craftspeople retire or exit the industry.
It’s set to take place May 17 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Dennison room inside the Detroit Marriott Troy, the site of the show, with the TJS welcome dinner to follow.
“The TJS board recognizes trending difficulties in the hiring and retention of skilled labor in our industry, from bench jewelers to retail staff to all types of manufacturing technicians,” said Linus Drogs, chairman of the board at TJS.
“We believe that the diverse gathering of industry professionals at TJS will provide a wonderful opportunity for analyzing, identifying, and clearly defining the challenges. We also hope to inspire brainstorming regarding how our industry might work together to address these issues.”
Related stories will be right here …
Titled “Workforce at Risk,” the event invites representatives of all jewelry professions to discuss the industry’s current shortage of skilled labor and the attrition of skillsets occurring as seasoned craftspeople retire or exit the industry.
It’s set to take place May 17 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Dennison room inside the Detroit Marriott Troy, the site of the show, with the TJS welcome dinner to follow.
“The TJS board recognizes trending difficulties in the hiring and retention of skilled labor in our industry, from bench jewelers to retail staff to all types of manufacturing technicians,” said Linus Drogs, chairman of the board at TJS.
“We believe that the diverse gathering of industry professionals at TJS will provide a wonderful opportunity for analyzing, identifying, and clearly defining the challenges. We also hope to inspire brainstorming regarding how our industry might work together to address these issues.”
Several jewelry professionals said they have been feeling the effects of the shortage and are looking to the roundtable for inspiration.
"One of the most difficult things I face, as a designer jewelry brand who makes its own pieces, is finding skilled workers,” said Chris Ploof, founder of Chris Ploof Designs.
“We've even modified our work week to four days to keep our people happy and loyal, as well as offered other perks like free electric vehicle charging and extra paid time off. I am hopeful that this critical round table discussion at TJS will give me other ideas on how to find and retain talented and reliable employees."
Ann Cahoon, director of manufacturing and repair at Long’s Jewelers in Massachusetts said, for retailers, finding skilled bench jewelers and watch technicians is a challenge.
“Also, CAD designers, gemologists, and repair intake specialists can be difficult to find,” she said.
“We need to think collectively and creatively, and take a long view as we cultivate talent, especially before a huge source of our collective knowledge leaves the industry when they retire. A potential solution lies in developing, rather than hiring, the right team members. Broader conversations about training and education will be crucial for our shared success as an industry.”
Jewelry professionals who wish to join the discussion must RSVP by Apr. 15 to jessa@thejewelrysymposium.com.
For more information on the “Workforce at Risk” roundtable, click here.
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