WJCEF (World Jewellery Confederation Education Foundation), the educational arm of CIBJO has associated with Branded Trust Education of Australia to launch a six-lesson course on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The online course, called “CSR for the Jewellery Professional” is meant for jewellery, diamond, coloured gemstone, pearls, coral and precious metal professionals. The course was developed by a team of world recognized experts specifically for the jewellery, gemstone and precious metals industries, along its entire supply chain.

“Our goal in developing the course is to enable all members of the industry, at the mining, manufacturing, wholesale and retail levels, from management through to sales staff, to obtain a practical understanding of CSR and sustainability, as it applies to the jewellery business today,” explained Gaetano Cavalieri, the CIBJO and WJCEF President. “To an ever-increasing degree, a jewellery company is expected to ensure that its staff is CSR-educated and proficient. This course is designed to make that possible.” Graduates who successfully complete its requirements will receive a Level 1 Certificate of Accreditation, issued by WJCEF.

Students of the course will access the six lessons via a dedicated website, where instructions to topics will be delivered by experts on the subjects. There are video lectures, downloadable readings that at the end of the course can be compiled into a book on CSR, and links to other relevant readings and websites for each lesson. At the conclusion of each lesson a student needs to appear for a test and submit an essay post completing the course. A total assessment score of greater than 60 percent will be required before a student will be awarded the WJCEF Certificate of Recognition. Initially the six-lesson course is being offered only in English. The cost per student is U.S. $300.