Westchester Community College is offering a new non-credit Jewelry Fabrication Certificate to help enable County residents to fill openings in this lucrative field. The jewelry industry, based primarily in New York City, is valued at $71 billion. The salaries for bench jewelers range from $16-$27 per hour or $50,000 to $65,000 per year. These positions do not require credit classes or a degree.
The certificate, with classes starting on September 24, can be completed in three semesters. The classes will be offered at the college’s Center for the Arts at 196 Central Avenue in White Plains.
“Responding to the popularity of jewelry classes, and the need for more individuals to enter the industry, we have created this new certificate,” says Lisa Santalis, Director, Center for the Arts. “There are very few places to learn and develop these skills outside of New York City. Our exceptional facilities and professional teaching artists have cultivated an enthusiastic community and many of our jewelry fabrication students have already gone on to start their own businesses,” she adds.
The non-credit classes provide the technical skills needed, and the portfolio of work required, to enable students to pursue multiple careers in the industry. Bench jewelers actually construct jewelry, while sales associates are involved in the purchase of jewelry. In addition to training individuals for these positions, those who complete the certificate will be better prepared to transfer to four-year bachelors program in the field, or to start their own business.
To apply for these affordable classes in the jewelry studio at Westchester Community College’s Center for the Arts in White Plains, contact Rebecca Widman (Rebecca.widman@sunywcc.edu, 914-606-7510) by mid-September.
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