European-Style Apprenticeship - Long Term
Based on a successful European model, advanced students earn as they learn! Apprentices learn at the work bench while being paid as part of the studio’s design production team. The trainee’s goal and commitment must be toward excellence and quality over speed. Martinus takes on the difficult aspects of each project, corrections and finishing touch-ups as needed. Payment is negotiated for each piece according to the results and over time, when a student’s confidence and production efficiencies improve, increased hourly wages will follow. This model is built through necessity in response to insufficient technical training in North American jewelry programs.
Prerequisite for this program is one Weekend Blitz and a minimum of one week Apprentice-Style Training and/or previous professional training.
Benefits
Over the past seven years Martinus Apprenticeship Program has become a mutually beneficial and productive concept in fine jewelry training. The benefits are clear for everyone; the student receives complete coaching in a fully operational studio setting, Martinus receives additional “staff” time to provide customers with internationally respected designs of quality and sophistication.
With 2½ years apprenticeship training Alex is able to properly assemble a white gold, triple ring shank with a stepped, tapered bezel setting. Martinus is involved for guidance, touch-ups and precision stone setting.