Events & AwardsAug 05, 2025
JA Announces Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship WinnersMajorsAug 19, 2025
MJSA Apprenticeship Program Is Nationally Recognized
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program received the Registered Apprenticeship Program designation by the U.S. Department of Labor.
The designation enables participants to receive expert help with registering an apprenticeship program in their states and navigating the path toward available state funding, including potential tax credits.
New York—The Manufacturing Jeweler & Suppliers of America (MJSA) Education Foundation’s MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program for bench jewelers has become the industry’s first nationally recognized Registered Apprenticeship Program by the United States Department of Labor (DOL).
The designation enables participants to receive expert help with registering an apprenticeship program in their states, as well as with navigating the path toward available state funding and potential tax credits.
Each state has its own protocols and now, with the guidance of the DOL, the process will be more manageable, eliminating additional barriers to starting an apprenticeship.
“One of the industry’s greatest needs is attracting the next generation of jewelry professionals, and the MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program has become a key tool in achieving that,” said Joseph Esposito, chair of the MJSA Education Foundation.
“Not only does the program provide guidance and support for training aspiring jewelers, but it also offers a true career path for young workers. It’s a powerful draw that’s now enhanced by becoming a registered program.”
Related stories will be right here …
The designation enables participants to receive expert help with registering an apprenticeship program in their states, as well as with navigating the path toward available state funding and potential tax credits.
Each state has its own protocols and now, with the guidance of the DOL, the process will be more manageable, eliminating additional barriers to starting an apprenticeship.
“One of the industry’s greatest needs is attracting the next generation of jewelry professionals, and the MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program has become a key tool in achieving that,” said Joseph Esposito, chair of the MJSA Education Foundation.
“Not only does the program provide guidance and support for training aspiring jewelers, but it also offers a true career path for young workers. It’s a powerful draw that’s now enhanced by becoming a registered program.”
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program launched in 2023 with assistance from a JCK Industry Fund Grant and was first approved by the DOL as National Guidelines Standard in February 2024.
It is overseen by the MJSA Education Foundation, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit arm of MJSA that supports career and training initiatives in professional jewelry making and design.
The program centers on a free 50-week curriculum, available as a PDF, that mentors can use to train bench jewelers, which the organization notes as one of the positions most in demand by manufacturers and retailers.
As a Registered Apprenticeship Program, it also provides access to more than 200 online technical videos and resources that MJSA and Jewelers of America members can access free of charge.
Jewelry designer and instructor Nanz Aalund, who wrote “A Jeweler’s Guide to Apprenticeships,” developed the program’s curriculum and curated the resources.
Those who successfully complete the program will receive MJSA’s nationally recognized certification as an Advanced Jewelry Apprentice.
“The Department of Labor designation expands the opportunity for more jewelers to bring on apprentices, and it also helps to prevent the loss of expertise as current workers retire,” said Lee Krombholz, vice chair of the MJSA Education Foundation.
“Apprenticeship programs were once a crucial conduit for new talent. The MJSA program helps to keep the pipeline of knowledge flowing.”
To learn more about the MJSA Mentorship & Apprenticeship Program, visit this page on the MJSA website or contact MJSA Education Foundation Executive Director Rich Youmans by phone at 800-223-0673, ext. 8073, or by email at rich.youmans@mjsa.org.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Majors
The Latest
SourcingOct 05, 2026
De Beers to Take Full Ownership of Gahcho KuéIt is the last fully operational diamond mine in Canada following the recent closures of Ekati and Diavik.
AuctionsOct 05, 2026
The Star Cats of the Sandy Lerner AuctionThese jewels stood out at Bonhams’ sale of the cat-loving tech entrepreneur’s collection of objects depicting the feline form.
CollectionsOct 05, 2026
Sorellina Writes Another Love Letter for ‘Postscript’ CollectionThe fine jewelry brand has expanded the collection that debuted at Couture with four new designs based on its most popular styles.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionExperience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.
SourcingOct 05, 2026
Bruce Bridges Joins CIBJO BoardThe AGTA president was elected for a two-year term on the board of directors.
Weekly QuizOct 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingOct 02, 2026
De Beers, National Geographic Society Renew Okavango Eternal Partnership The partnership, a pledge to protect Africa’s Okavango River Basin, has been extended for an additional five years.
TrendsOct 02, 2026
Hearts On Fire Celebrates 30th Anniversary With Heart PendantThe special-edition “Dream” pendant, our Piece of the Week, was created to mark Hearts On Fire’s 30-year milestone with 30 diamonds.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
CrimeOct 01, 2026
Police Looking for 4 Suspects in $600K Smash-and-Grab RobberyDubai Jewelers in Springfield, Virginia, was once again the target of an armed robbery.
SurveysOct 01, 2026
Rolex Ranks Among Most Recommended Brands in US, Survey Says YouGov’s 2026 U.S. Most Recommended Brands report’s out, and a fast-fashion giant is sitting at No. 1 while Rolex is just shy of the top 5.
SourcingOct 01, 2026
Columbia Gem House Opens ‘Cutting Toward Change’ FundraiserProceeds from its jewelry raffle will benefit an organization working in India to combat silicosis, a lung disease affecting stone cutters.
TrendsOct 01, 2026
Carolina Hurricanes’ Championship Ring Reveals Hidden Hockey Puck PendantThe rings, crafted by Jason of Beverly Hills, celebrate the hockey team’s Stanley Cup win with design elements that honor its traditions.
TrendsOct 01, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: October’s Color Range This roundup of birthstone jewelry for October features vibrant tourmalines and opals with personality.
SourcingSep 30, 2026
Botswana’s President, De Beers CEO Say Diamond Demand Is RecoveringPresident Duma Boko spoke at back-to-back events in the city last week, touting Botswana’s stability and the diamond “bounceback.”
CollectionsSep 30, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Holiday Book Is ‘A Living Archive’ The catalog showcases 112 new, one-of-a-kind pieces amid highlights from the jeweler’s historic archive.
SourcingSep 30, 2026
Gemfields Posts $98.5M Loss, Writes Down Value of Ruby MineIts Montepuez Ruby Mining operation in Mozambique, which is not yielding enough high-quality rubies, has taken a $125 million hit.
SurveysSep 30, 2026
Consumer Confidence Falls to 12-Year Low in SeptemberThose surveyed were worried about the present and the future, with write-in responses mentioning high oil and gas prices.
Events & AwardsSep 30, 2026
Jewelers of America, JA New York to Host Networking EventThe event will take place on the evening of Oct. 26 in New York City.
IndependentsSep 29, 2026
Christy Bromberg, Longtime Gift Buyer for Underwood Jewelers, Dies at 68She is remembered for her joie de vivre, upbeat personality, genuine interest in other people, and love of the Alabama Crimson Tide.
AuctionsSep 29, 2026
Dionne Warwick’s Jewelry Goes Up for AuctionOnline bidding is open now for Julien’s sale of items owned by the “Walk On By” singer, whose final album comes out this fall.
Events & AwardsSep 29, 2026
Matt Stuller to Receive 2027 Gem Award for Lifetime AchievementThe founder and executive chairman of Stuller Inc. is being honored for his impact on the jewelry industry at the 25th annual Gem Awards.
ColumnistsSep 29, 2026
Your Holiday Marketing Has a Bridal Blind SpotDecember is the most popular month to propose, and jewelers need to keep that in mind when planning their holiday marketing.
AuctionsSep 29, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for YouCat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction Wednesday.
CollectionsSep 28, 2026
De Beers London Drops Water-Inspired High Jewelry Collection“Vibrations” features several firsts for De Beers’ high jewelry, including the use of chalcedony and diamonds sourced from artisanal miners.
CollectionsSep 28, 2026
Jessica McCormack Turns to Classic Motif for New CollectionThe “Bows” collection features three interpretations of the bow motif designed with Georgian and Victorian influences.
Events & AwardsSep 28, 2026
Guy Borenstein, Troy Underwood Among the Professionals Honored at AGS Conclave 2026The American Gem Society recognized industry members, one Guild, and a law enforcement official for their contributions to jewelry.
FinancialsSep 28, 2026
Instappraise, Jewelers Mutual Look to Simplify Jewelry InsuranceThrough a new system integration, customers can now receive instant personal jewelry insurance quotes at the time of appraisal.
