GIA Exhibits at Career Indaba Show in South Africa
Institute returns to trade show to introduce 6,000+ students to gem education
JOHANNESBURG – June 16, 2013 – More than 6,000 students, graduates and job seekers attending the Career Indaba trade show in Johannesburg, May 19-20, were introduced to the exciting world of gemology and opportunities in the global gem and jewelry industry. GIA (Gemological Institute of America) exhibited at the leading South African career resource event for the second time, building on its commitment to bring industry-leading gemological and jewelry design education to the nations that produce diamonds and other gems.Representatives from GIA, a global independent organization dedicated to ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry through research, education and laboratory services, met with prospective students, handing out education materials and discussing gemology and jewelry program options.
“Many attendees were amazed at the variety of programs GIA offers in gemology and were excited to learn more,” said Elizabeth Bokaba, GIA’s manager of alumni and client relations in South Africa. “We’re happy to exhibit at Career Indaba – a show that offers great opportunities to aspiring professionals – and look forward to returning again in the future.”
Many students, teachers and schools expressed interested in GIA’s Junior Gemologist Program™, which gives students from ages of 10-15 the opportunity to discover the world of gemology through hands-on, practical training.
Since 2008, GIA has expanded its presence in Africa, opening two full-time laboratories and offering classes in Gaborone and Johannesburg, establishing partnerships with government agencies and universities throughout the continent, and maintaining a global network of active alumni. Today, there are more than 900 alumni and two GIA Alumni Chapters in Africa.
For more information about GIA education in Africa, visit www.gia.edu, or contact us.
