Because of the highly increased demand for diamond polishers, the Antwerp diamond industry has taken the initiative to organize a free course in diamond polishing, in September of this year.

Many of the current Antwerp polishers are nearing the retirement age and in addition, the Antwerp diamond sector evolves with a consequent diversification of the activities. Over the next two years, there will be 55 vacancies, and the industry is eager to have those filled in quickly.

To train these new polishers, the industry organizes a free course, which covers the basic polishing skills. The project is supported by several diamond companies, which will contribute to this initiative actively. Each company will take up patronage for one of the students and follow-up on them closely. The company also commits to hiring their apprentice after the course is finished successfully. That way, the students do not only have a very high chance on to be employed, they will also be able to further develop their skills 'on the job'.

‘This course stems from the ‘Antwerp Diamond Masterplan – Project 2020’ and is an initiative from HRD Antwerp, fonds voor Diamantnijverheid and AWDC’, says Ari Epstein, CEO AWDC. ‘It again shows the big commitment of the Antwerp diamond industry. Not only to the industry itself, but also outside the industry as this course is accessible to everyone’, he concludes.