This article first appeared in the JNA September/October 2023 issue.

Amid continued recovery in Hong Kong’s jewellery trade is a growing demand for skilled craftsmen; omnichannel marketing and after-sales specialists; and other fresh talents.

This shortage in creative and technical manpower in Hong Kong has been going on for years and is gradually impacting businesses, revealed the Hong Kong Vocational Training Council (HKVTC).

According to Ricky Lam, CEO of Elegance Jewellery International Ltd (EJI) and chairman of HKVTC’s Jewellery and Timepiece Training Board, several companies downsized during the pandemic as revenues dipped. With recovery at hand, jewellers are again recruiting skilled professionals but this has been challenging.

“People sought out different paths after being laid off. Some industry veterans started their own business while others left the jewellery industry entirely,” he explained.

Lam has been advocating for industry efforts to nurture homegrown talents for the jewellery industry over the last decade. He shares his 40-year experience in and knowledge of the trade with students at various events while helping optimise jewellery-related vocational programmes.

“Vocational programmes in Hong Kong are mostly theory-based, so students would need to acquire more skills upon graduation to get employed,” he remarked. “My role is to foster communications between industry stakeholders and HKVTC and provide insights into essential knowledge and techniques required for jewellery practitioners.”

Hong Kong Jewelry Manufacturers’ Association (HKJMA) can help fill this gap. HKJMA established J-Hub in 2020 to hone new talents and support start-ups, according to Lam, who is also convenor of J-Hub’s management committee. He said the two organisations complement each other in supporting young talent - HKVTC provides theory-focused courses for students while J-Hub offers them a platform to obtain practical training and experience.

Located in an 8,000-square-foot facility, J-Hub provides an array of services and facilities, focusing on four main aspects of jewellery manufacturing: Design, education, craftsmanship and certification.

“Moving forward, it is important to reinforce our position as a fine jewellery capital with outstanding craftsmanship as well as to preserve our artistic heritage by inspiring younger generations to join the industry,” noted Lam. “In this way, we can move the local jewellery industry forward and help Hong Kong-made jewellery shine brighter on the global stage.”