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RAPAPORT... The Diamond Council of America (DCA) launched the Jewelry Career Readiness Initiative (JCRI), a program designed for high school students. A successful first round resulted in 52 students graduating from this course work at Woodstock High School in Georgia during the 2014 academic year.
According to Suzanne Alexander Weir, the representative of the program, "Responses from everyone connected with the program -- students, teachers and administrators -- were overwhelmingly positive." An important highlight of the program was the JCRI Graduate Database, which lists the high school students who completed the program (with parental permission for those under 18), whereas potential employers may access their records. This aids those seeking employment in the jewelry industry and gives assurances to many high schoolers whose employment opportunities are scarce. Terry Chandler, DCA's president and CEO, said, "The database is the heart of a permanent referral service. If the student applies for a job, she can authorize perspective employers to access her records. Or if a potential employer is seeking job candidates and a student has given prior authorization, DCA can provide her name and contact information to the member." This program also introduces many students to the jewelry industry for the first time, as one graduate of the program mentioned. "I never thought about getting into the jewelry industry, but now I am definitely interested," according to DCA. The JCRI will certainly encourage interest in the jewelry industry beginning at a young age, and, according to Chandler, "help ensure the future of the jewelry industry."
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