Watch brands and independent watchmakers across the United Kingdom who are considering employing an apprentice are urged to contact the Watchmaker Apprentice Training School as it begins processing applications to receive its 2021 cohort.
The programme is well organised with the teaching of fundamental practical servicing skills and offers a well-equipped training provision in a purpose built training facility within a successful independent watch servicing business.
The government pays 100% of the teaching and examination fees for levy payers and 95% for non-levy payers over the two years of training.
Course details explain how during the two-year apprenticeship, apprentices are provided with fourteen weeks block release training for practical skills. Between the block release sessions, the apprentice is assisted with learning underpinning knowledge.
Due to events over the last few months, there are currently further government incentives – including a bonus giving £2,000 for each apprentice aged 18 – 24 years, and £1,500 for 25 years and over.
The apprentice begins with learning how to undertake ‘part jobs’ including changing batteries and so on before progressing to movement exchange and the servicing of quartz watches.
Case polishing is included to meet the growing demand for customers expecting their watch to be returned looking immaculate.
Learning then continues to servicing and fault finding for manual and automatic watches. From the outset, the emphasis during training is competence to reduce time spent learning at work.
To find out more email enquiries@watchmakertraining.com.
On enquiry, you will then receive an information pack which includes the handbook explaining the arrangements and syllabus for the apprenticeship and an application form. There is the opportunity for further questions to be answered before completing the application. On receipt of the application, a visit to your workshop will be arranged to meet the person who will be responsible for supervising the apprentice and the apprentice. Once approved, training will commence in January 2021.
I am 19 and looking for a watchmaking apprenticeship. I have completed a couple of BHI/Epping Forest courses and need an employer to provide me with the opportunity to practise whilst on the scheme. I live in Berkshire but willing to travel or re locate. I just need a chance to get into the industry.