How Jewellery Training Solutions Started
Welcome to JTS! I’m Peter Keep, a jeweller, designer, and teacher who has spent a lifetime immersed in the joy of creativity and craftsmanship. My love for art and design started in school, where the margins of my math books often featured intricate doodles rather than sums. Those early designs may be long gone, but they laid the foundation for my passion and career.
Jewellery became my calling at the age of 14, thanks to my dad, a watchmaker, who showed me a bespoke jewellery design commissioned for a client. I was captivated. From that moment, I knew I wanted to become a jeweller. Determined to follow this path, I worked hard to secure a spot at the School of Jewellery & Silversmithing in Birmingham, the only college in the UK offering training as a trade jeweller at the time. Out of 240 applicants, I was thrilled to be one of the 16 selected. It was a pivotal moment that launched my journey into the world of fine jewellery.
After three intense years of specialized training, I established myself as a sought-after jeweller in Manchester, then in Australia. My career as a jewellery maker and designer has been incredibly rewarding, offering endless opportunities for growth, creativity, and innovation. However, a new chapter began in 2007 when I transitioned into teaching as a Jewellery Trade Lecturer at Central Institute of Technology in Perth, Western Australia.
Revitalizing the apprenticeship program was no small task. When I started, the curriculum lacked relevance, and apprentices saw classes as a day off. Drawing from my own training experience, I overhauled the program to combine traditional techniques with modern trade developments. The transformation was immediate: students excelled, employers were thrilled, and the program thrived. My efforts earned recognition from the Jewellery Association of Australia, Worldskills Australia, and the WA Government for innovative teaching and training excellence.
Sadly, changes in the industry—such as cheap imports, CAD/CAM, and reduced government support—have led to a decline in apprenticeship opportunities. But I still believe in a bright future for skilled jewellers, particularly those with expertise in advanced techniques like stone setting. In 2014, I started creating assisted learning videos to support apprentices and offer training beyond the classroom. Initially, these were simple picture stories with subtitles, but they evolved into the detailed, high-quality video projects you’ll find on JTS today.
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JTS is more than just a platform; it’s a resource for aspiring jewellers who want to master the craft, whether you’re a beginner or aiming to refine your high-end skills. Unlike hobbyist courses, JTS provides real trade training, teaching everything from foundational techniques to intricate stone setting and fine jewellery making. My goal is to help you unlock your potential and create stunning jewellery with confidence.
Although I retired from formal teaching in 2019, I’ve never been busier. JTS allows me to combine my passions for jewellery and teaching while continuing to innovate and inspire. I’ve also embraced travel, teaching workshops interstate and internationally—a wonderful way to connect with artisans and students worldwide.
Jewellery making is a deeply rewarding craft, offering endless opportunities for creativity and growth. If you’re ready to start your journey, JTS is here to guide you every step of the way. Explore the site, dive into the projects, and discover the joy of creating beautiful pieces that tell your story. I look forward to sharing this exciting adventure with you.
Cheers Peter
Meet Peter in the Jewellers Podcast!
Click on picture to see Carol's blog!
