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RAPAPORT... The Gems and Jewellery Skill Council of India (GJSCI) embarked on a technological revolution with its e-learning/digital learning platform that will be unveiled during the India International Jewellery Show (IIJS) 2015. The digital learning platform is intended to provide career training for jewelry retail sales associates across India. According to Binit Bhatt, the chief operations manager for GJSCI, this particular initiative will help train individuals at remote locations. Speaking exclusively with Rapaport News, he said, “The gems and jewelry industry is taking quantum leaps in use of technology. The revolution started 15 years ago, back when the industry started adopting laser technology for diamond cutting and diamond polishing. The same forward thinking can bridge skill gaps. With the advent of smartphones and various apps, it has become very simple for a person not to have to be in a classroom and still take that classroom experience along. So, with this angle on mind and to save people’s time, this particular software/app that we have launched is targeted toward jewelry retail sales associates. "With about 10 to 12 hours a day, and sometimes seven days a week behind the counter, they do not have the time to study or attend lectures. Even when they get time off, they would rather stay home. We thought of using technology to allow them to learn at their own pace and convenience and become certified.” After each chapter is completed through the e-learning platform, students proceed to an online exam. The fees are nominal, he said; hence, the platform is accessible for jewelry retail sales associates of all income levels, even those working in small stores who earn less than $100 a month. GJSCI developed 117 job roles on the platform and created National Occupational Standards for training, assessment and student manuals, which will be used as a benchmark. The Jewellery Retail Sales Associate (JRSA) job role has also been translated into nine languages to accommodate the smallest of towns in India. The coursework includes interactive videos, assessments and role playing, all of which are designed to provide the benefits of a high-quality in-store orientation program. The new online platform was developed by Qustn Technologies. GJSCI has certified over 56,000 candidates in various parts of India, with the help of 55 training partners and 11 assessment agencies. GJSCI has also signed agreements with state governments, including West Bengal, Kerala and Uttar Pradesh to encourage careers in the gem and jewelry industry through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Dakshagraam projects.
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