T Level Fine Metal Work, Silversmith & Jewellery

The T Level in Jewellery is a unique two-year course that blends 80% classroom-based learning with 20% industry work placements, equipping students with essential industry-level manufacturing skills and a deep understanding of the design process and its application to production.

Alongside hands-on jewellery-making techniques, students develop business administration skills, project planning expertise, and marketing knowledge, ensuring they are well-prepared for careers in the jewellery industry. Work placements with key employers provide invaluable real-world experience, bridging the gap between education and employment.

The Occupational Specialism and Core Component are taught parallel

The Occupational Specialism Element will cover subjects such as:

Fundamental Jewellery Making Skills

Best practice use of specialist tools

Material properties and experimental use.

Decorative techniques and processes

Understanding and Analysing design briefs

Design Development process and presentation

Interpreting specifications for manufacture

Manufacturing Project Planning

The Core Component will develop a general understanding of Craft and Design, including:

The creative economy

The individual in the creative industries

Cultural context and vocabulary

Audience

Legislation/regulations

Professionalism and ethics

Equality, diversity and inclusion

Research skills

Project methodology and administration

Continued professional development

Teaching Units, Assessment Method and Weighting.

Unit / Content

Assessment

Weightings

Core Component

Written Exam - 2hrs 30mins

Employer Set Project (externally set, internally monitored) - 19hrs 30 mins

60%

40%

Occupational Specialism

Design & Make (externally set, internally monitored) - 66hrs 50 mins

Make to a Specification (externally set, internally monitored) - 20hrs 30 mins

71%

29%

5 GCSE's at grade 5 and above (including English & Maths).

Jewellery Designer: As a jewellery designer, you would create original designs for various types of jewellery, such as rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. You would use your artistic and technical skills to develop unique concepts and may work with precious metals, gemstones, and other materials.

Jewellery Manufacturer: With a T level in jewellery making, you could work in the manufacturing sector, where you would be involved in the production process of jewellery. This could include casting, soldering, stone setting, polishing, and other techniques to create finished pieces of jewellery.

Jewellery Repair Technician: Many people require repairs and alterations for their jewellery. As a jewellery repair technician, you would assess damaged or broken jewellery, identify the required repairs, and skillfully restore or modify the pieces to their original or desired condition. This role requires expertise in various repair techniques and a good understanding of different jewellery materials.

Jewellery Appraiser: In this role, you would assess the value of jewellery items for various purposes, such as insurance, estate planning, or resale. You would need a strong understanding of gemstones, precious metals, and jewellery market trends to accurately evaluate jewellery pieces and provide detailed appraisals.