The JET Management and Leadership program is a nine-month qualification designed for jewellery industry managers and assistant managers looking to refine their skills and advance their careers. Unlike generic leadership courses, this program integrates real-world projects, peer networking, and industry-specific training to address challenges faced by retail and manufacturing leaders in the jewellery sector.
Industry-Specific Training with Practical Focus
The qualification blends face-to-face workshops and online webinars, ensuring participants apply lessons directly to their roles. Early in the program, students complete an EQ-i 2.0 emotional intelligence assessment, followed by a 90-minute one-on-one debrief with a tutor. This personalised feedback helps managers identify strengths and areas for growth in both professional and personal contexts.
Workshops cover critical areas such as negotiation, conflict resolution, and financial management, with sessions tailored to non-financial managers. Topics include performance management, recruitment strategies, and change management, including the impact of artificial intelligence on leadership. Each module is designed to address immediate workplace challenges, from setting team objectives to improving productivity through human experience management.
One key distinction from broader leadership programs is the emphasis on jewellery industry-specific scenarios. For example, the Human Experience Management workshop focuses on welfare, well-being, and HR matters—topics that resonate deeply with retail and manufacturing environments where employee morale directly affects customer experience and operational efficiency.
Structured Learning with Peer and Industry Support
Participants engage in three in-person workshops and six half-day webinars, delivered by experienced educators. The first workshop, Dealing with Challenging Situations, runs on October 21, 2027, while later sessions include Finance for Non-Financial Managers (May 11, 2027) and Effective Communication (July 14, 2027).
Networking is built into the curriculum. Students form peer groups with colleagues at similar career stages, and the program concludes with a Summer Meal and the NAJ’s JET Graduation Awards at London’s Goldsmiths’ Hall. These events support long-term connections, allowing graduates to share insights and collaborate across the industry.
Networking, Peer Engagement, and Alumni Opportunities
The program provides structured opportunities for participants to connect with peers who hold similar managerial roles. Attendees can build a professional network by collaborating with colleagues from across the jewellery industry, supporting ongoing professional relationships. This peer group is maintained throughout the qualification and beyond, allowing for shared insights and mutual support.
Cost, Eligibility, and Future Opportunities
Fees vary based on membership: £1,699 + VAT for NAJ Full Members and £2,055 + VAT for non-members. Enrollment closes on September 15, 2026, with assessments based on a work-based portfolio and a project addressing a real business challenge.
The program’s structure, limited to 6–12 participants per cohort, ensures personalized attention, while its nine-month duration balances depth with feasibility for working professionals.
