BAJ Employer Partner KatieAnnDesigns Wins Prestigious Heritage Crafts Apprenticeship Grant

21 Jan 2026

KatieAnnDesigns, a Gosport-based independent jewellery studio and an employer partner of BAJ, has been awarded the highly competitive Heritage Crafts Apprenticeship Grant — one of only two awarded across the UK.

The grant helps small studios take on apprentices by contributing towards wages and training time, supporting employers to develop new talent in the jewellery and craft sector.

Supporting the future of traditional craft

Daniel Carpenter, Executive Director - Heritage Crafts says,

“Only a minority of traditional crafts in England have apprenticeship standards that allow employers to draw down funding. Even where they exist, taking someone on is often out of reach for the sole traders and micro-businesses that make up the crafts sector, as the funds only cover off-the-job training and not the apprentice’s salary or reduced productivity.

By providing Katie’s business with top-up funding through the partnership between Heritage Crafts and the Hugo Burge Foundation, we are making a compelling case to Government for the additional support needed to ensure a healthy future for these culturally and economically significant industries. There are thousands more young people with talent like Amelie Priestman, a BAJ apprentice, and it’s our mission to change that.”

Expanding studio capacity and opportunities

The award enables KatieAnnDesigns to expand its studio capacity while offering hands-on training to the next generation of jewellers. The BAJ apprentice is already benefiting directly from the funding, gaining hands-on training and developing her skills in jewellery craft.

Katie Gunn, Founder – KatieAnnDesigns says,

"Receiving this grant is an incredible boost for KatieAnnDesigns. As a small independent jeweller, it allows us to invest in the future of traditional craftsmanship while continuing to grow sustainably. Welcoming an apprentice into the workshop has brought fresh energy, new ideas, and invaluable support, strengthening our capacity and ensuring we can continue delivering the personal handcrafted service our customers love."

A meaningful experience for emerging talent

The apprenticeship offers an immersive, real-world studio experience, supporting the development of technical skills, confidence, and an understanding of how a small creative business operates.

Amelie Priestman, BAJ Apprentice - Jewellery, Silversmithing and Allied Trades comments,

“My boss, Katie, who owns KatieAnnDesigns, is incredibly talented at transforming unworn, family heirloom jewellery into pieces that are new and loved, while still retaining their sentimentality and meaning. I aspire to bring the same joy I have seen this provide, but to my own customers one day, through my creativity.

I have chosen engraving, which is a heritage craft, along with silversmithing. I hope that learning this will aid in keeping these specialist techniques alive and available for many future generations to enjoy, in a world that is less and less appreciative of their value.” 

BAJ’s ongoing commitment to the craft sector

Miranda Sharpe, Apprenticeship Coordinator and Birmingham Centre Lead at BAJ says,

“It’s rewarding to see how BAJ’s apprenticeship programme empowers small craft businesses while giving new talent real, hands-on industry experience,”

BAJ is proud to support employer partners like KatieAnnDesigns, who help preserve and strengthen the UK’s jewellery craft heritage through meaningful apprenticeship opportunities.

Interested in BAJ’s Level 3 Apprenticeship in Jewellery, Silversmithing, and Allied Trades Professional?

Employers looking to support emerging talent can find out more and register their interest here. Aspiring jewellers can also learn more about the programme.

View BAJ

Source: BAJ