Browns Learnership Academy students graduate

The Browns Learnership Academy was launched in 2012 with the aim of training jewellery graduates with all the skills they need to succeed in the industry. They worked with the finest jewellers in the country, learning "The Browns Way" of making the country's finest jewellery. When trainees are ready to graduate, the Browns team strives to place them in full-time positions within the organisation.

Larry Brown was delighted to see the first two groups graduate from the academy, paying tribute to the hard work they've put in over the past 12 months. "These talented young people have worked hard to attain the high standards we set at Browns and, in working with our master craftsmen and women, have developed impressive jewellery-manufacturing skills," he said. "We're also delighted that we've been able to welcome them into the company and are looking forward to leading the way in training talented South African jewellery manufacturers."

The first group of graduates

The academy trainees were drawn from across the country, and must already have had a qualification from a recognised jewellery school and be aged under 30 in order to be considered for a learnership. The first group of graduates from the Academy were: Atela Thamahane (Qhumbu, EC); David Constabul (Thokoza, Gauteng); Nonhlanhla Dlamini (Katlehong, Gauteng); July Mothabazimbi (Brits, North West); Tumelo Nyao (Mofolo, Gauteng); Musawenkoisi Mlangeni (Rockville, Gauteng); Khulekhani Nkala (Katlehong, Gauteng) and Muzukhona Cele (Katlehong, Gauteng).

Group two are all from Gauteng: Fortunate Nkosi (Kempton Park); Gift Mtjilen (White City); Lerato Mokoena (Thokoza); Nathan Mthembu (Jabavu,); Sibongiseni Phoseka (Katlehong); Nelisiwe Msimanaga (Germiston); Lebogang Mlangeni (Katlehong); Nhlakanipho Ntsingila (Katlehong); Katlego Malope (Soshanguve) and Bongani Mthabela (Rockville).