Which way do u go????

[Bmark1959]

I have a question slash problem.
I live in a small town/city in BC. There are a lot of jewellery stores here,but none are willing to take on a apprentice. I have even offered to work for free just so I get bench time. I know free sounds off the wall right? But right now I am off on sick leave and get a nice wage from my Union.

The only college here does not offer any silversmithing classes,and the only metalworking class they offer is welding,which I have done.

So would it be a good ideas,and load up on dvd's and books along with what is on YouTube. Before you slam YouTube there has been some good stuff. Only drag is they are only giver 10 to 15 mins.

Any help or ideas would be great and look forward to chatting it up with you all.

Cheers
Bmark1959

[Goldsmith]

Check out Andrew Berry's website, he does online tuition films;http://www.atthebench.com/

[Petal]

I've just looked up jewellery making coures in Kelowna and have come up with this ..http://benchjewellery.ca/careers/ and this http://www.askedu.net/city_ca/Kelowna/Jewelry_Making_1.htm#.Vw5gkjHD89Y. I'd also suggest you get some books from the library and get reading and practicing in copper first. Kelowna's a fab place, so I'm sure you should be able to get some courses somewhere.

[caroleallen]

I would recommend Andrew Berry too. His videos are ace - that is once you get past all the waffle - sorry Andrew!

[Bmark1959]

Thank you all for the advice and I sure will look into it all.
Petal the only Bench I know of here in kelowna is a Retail store, and he has a lot of high end stuff.
Now unless he has changed thing then maybe there is hope and I could be on my way

Again thank you all for your replies