Carlsbad, Calif. – Amid recurring reports of a soft U.S. economy and job losses in some sectors, job seekers looking for stable career opportunities can find plenty of them in jewelry manufacturing and repair, according to a recent government report.

The U.S. Department of Labor says employment opportunities for jobs in jewelry manufacturing and repair should remain “excellent” due to current shortages in the occupation and the need to replace those retiring from this field. The skills needed to qualify for those positions can be learned with an education from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). GIA, located in Carlsbad, Calif., is considered the industry’s leading educator.

The Labor Department report also revealed a jewelry manufacturing and repair career is one that can even thrive during a soft economy because people are more inclined to repair or restore existing pieces rather than purchase new ones. It also said graduates from a jeweler or gemologist training program (such as those offered by GIA) will be in the best position for opportunities in jewelry stores and repair shops.

“Our job database always shows a great need for those trained in jewelry manufacturing,” said Kimberly Northup, GIA’s career services manager. “This is an ideal career for those who are seeking a highly creative and imaginative profession.”

GIA, the world’s foremost authority in gemology, provides the perfect educational preparation with its Jewelry Manufacturing Arts (J.M.A.) diploma program, which includes the Applied Jewelry Arts (A.J.A.) and the renowned Graduate Jeweler (G.J.) diploma programs. The A.J.A. program teaches all the design and pre-production fundamentals, while the G.J. program teaches students the manufacturing skills to bring jewelry ideas to life.

In just one year, this comprehensive program of classroom education and hands-on training, taught exclusively at GIA’s Carlsbad campus by experienced professionals – veterans of many years in the jewelry industry – fully prepares graduates for a variety of job opportunities in jewelry design, manufacturing and repair. After learning such specialized skills as computer rendering, casting, mold making, metal working and stone setting, students will be able to not only create custom designs, but also bring them to life and eventually to the consumer.

“Employing jewelers who have the ability to be productive from day one is an enormous advantage to us,” said Malcolm Koll, a partner with Charles Koll Jewellers in San Diego, Calif. The store currently employs seven GIA graduates. “For example, a goldsmith's career path is dramatically accelerated through GIA's jewelry manufacturing program. This training provides a competitive edge that fine jewelers are looking for,” he added.

For information on how a GIA program can help you launch an exciting career in jewelry design, manufacturing and repair, call 800-421-7250, ext. 4001, e-mail admissions@gia.edu or visit www.gia.edu, and click on “Education.”

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