Jeweler to develop trade school for goldsmiths | News | presspubs.com

Graham plans to make special modifications to the school’s welding equipment to make it more accessible to parapelegic students. This includes this laser cutter which will be mouth-operated instead of foot-operated.

For as long as Chris Graham has been working in the jewelry industry, he has noticed what he believes is a significant issue for newcomers he hopes will soon join the business — a problem for which he thinks he has a potential solution.

“It’s always been in the back of my mind that the jewelry industry needs more goldsmiths,” Graham said. “There’s just so few people in this line of work.”

Graham, who runs the White Bear Lake and Wayzata Graham Jewelers stores, plans to open a trade school catering to aspiring goldsmiths. Graham said the school would cater to those looking to kickstart a jewelry-making career outside a standard four-year university. He said that a complete lack of schools that teach the craft has contributed to a low number of goldsmiths nationwide.

“I want to provide opportunities for students that don’t fit the mainstream education system,” said Graham. “There are no other educational opportunities in the Midwest. I know there are enough job openings and postings looking for goldsmiths, so the need is there.”

Graham’s initial idea was to open the school on the second floor of the current White Bear Lake store. However, he changed his mind after realizing that a lack of an elevator at the location would pose an issue to some students. The school will instead be constructed at an unspecified location in Plymouth.

“I’m trying to open a door for people with disabilities,” said Graham, “one that has not been open before, and I think we can do it with some relatively minor additions to our equipment.”

Graham intends to modify preexisting welding equipment such as laser welders and steamers to be mouth- versus foot-operated.

For now, Graham is planning on using the White Bear store’s upstairs area to hold a trial run in early summer. The test aims to determine whether students can accomplish the school’s planned 12-week curriculum within the timeframe before any changes and accommodations need to be implemented.

Graham said he has no plans to construct additional locations around Minnesota. “I don’t have any ambitions beyond the current school. My ambitions are to make one successful school for 20 to 30 students.”

The school is set to open this year, in late summer or early fall.

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