NAJ and Benevolent Society join forces to fund hand engraver

28 Feb 2019

The National Association of Jewellers’ Education Trust and the Benevolent Society have come together to jointly fund a hand engraver. Esh Amram, who has worked in the jewellery trade for around nine years, has been funded to work with professional hand engraver Ruth Anthony for one year. Anthony has previously taught at Holts Academy and City Lit. In addition to working with her, Amram will also be attending courses and visiting other engravers.

I look forward to further similar initiatives in the future, and urge our members to continue to fund these two organisations.

Simon Forrester, Chief Executive, National Association of Jewellers

Commenting on the news, the NAJ’s CEO Simon Forrester said: “As the NAJ and our members actively support both charities, we are especially pleased to see this co-operation result in such a positive outcome. I look forward to further similar initiatives in the future, and urge our members to continue to fund these two organisations via their subscription invoice, the many fundraising activities such as the Benevolent Ball, and the Just Giving button on the NAJ website.”

While the Education Trust has funded two previous hand engravers, this is the first time that The Benevolent Society has funded an apprenticeship and funding for the hand engraving industry. It is also the first time that the Society has co-funded training/bursary with another charity.

Esh shows a natural talent and keen enthusiasm for engraving and we look forward to watching her skills develop.

Sally Dodson, Managing Director, The Hand Engravers Association

Richard Parsons, chairman of the Education Trust commented: “Hand engraving is in great need of support. Esh Amran is the third apprentice in this trade that we have been able to help and we are delighted to be doing so in a joint venture with the Benevolent Society.”

"The Hand Engravers Association is hugely appreciative of the swift and generous support of the two charities,” added Sally Dodson, association manager. “For many reasons, it can be very difficult to obtain funding for traineeships. We are delighted that not only did the grant enable Esh Amram to train with master engraver Ruth Anthony at the bench, but that the support arrived at a critical time, before the trainee might be forced to choose another career path for financial reasons. Esh shows a natural talent and keen enthusiasm for engraving and we look forward to watching her skills develop over the next twelve months.”

The Benevolent Society is currently accepting applications for bursaries; all applications will be considered (in line with the Society’s bursary award criteria), including further apprenticeships. It is anticipated that a set amount of funding will be allocated for bursaries each year for the foreseeable future.