A young apprentice is learning to run her family business thanks to the training she’s receiving from Stratford-upon-Avon College.
Gemma Beer, 17 from Birmingham, is a Business and Administration apprentice working at Stratford Town Jewellers in Stratford-upon-Avon. The Henley Street shop is owned by Gemma’s parents and she considers it a second home having spent so much time there growing up.
She reflected “As I’ve got older, I’ve learnt about jewellery and gem stones and how the shop runs. I think I’ve been answering the phone since I was about five years old!” After initially working there on Saturdays, Gemma started a full-time position upon leaving school and recently began the apprenticeship.
When it came time for Gemma to decide upon her post-school career, one clear option stood out to her. “Stratford College’s apprenticeship team was the obvious choice because they were the only ones to offer the specific course I wanted to do.
“At school, I really enjoyed business and maths so I felt that a Business and Administration qualification, while working at my parents’ shop, would be perfect for me.”
Gemma can’t speak highly enough about the support she’s received from the College. “I meet with my assessor from the College every month. We get on really well and discuss any aspects of the job that I’m finding difficult to identify how I can improve and become a better member of the team.
Visitors to Stratford Town Jewellers certainly get the best shopping experience possible, thanks to Gemma’s dedication to customer satisfaction and commitment to her apprenticeship training, which is already having a very positive impact on the jewellery shop. “People bring in pieces that are very sentimental to them so it’s important to be delicate and sensitive because of their strong emotional meaning. Each item is unique so I always want them to know I’ll take the very best care of it.”
Despite having just started out on her career, Gemma already has firm goals in mind for her future. “I’m thinking about studying at Jewellery University in the Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham to become a gemologist. I’ve definitely caught the bug after getting so involved in running the shop.
“My mum and dad have always said one day the business will be passed on to me. I’d love to stay here and manage the shop one day.”
Are you interested in starting an apprenticeship or adding an apprentice to your work force? Click here for more information.
