Two Shetland jewellery makers have become the first in Scotland to achieve the top level Modern Apprenticeship qualification in their craft.

Shona Miller and Andrew MacGregor are both employed by Shetland Jewellery which has supported them right through their apprenticeship pathway.

Funded by HIE Shetland and managed by Train Shetland, the demanding SVQ Level 3 course  was delivered by Grainshore Training Centre in Orkney, one of only two centres in Scotland with approval to offer Level 3 SVQs in jewellery manufacture.

Dorothy Learmonth, Centre Manager at Grainshore Training Centre congratulated Shona and Andrew saying: "They have both been able to use their work to generate a very high standard of evidence and are fortunate in being given the opportunity to work towards the qualifications by their employer. They had the scope to cover a broad range of repair skills as well as being able to specialise in disciplines such as stone setting and enamelling. Both candidates are motivated and very able."

Shetland Jewellery also employs a third member of staff, Sophie Whitehead, who has completed her SVQ Level 2 in jewellery and is now working towards her Level 3.

Kenneth Rae, Proprietor of Shetland Jewellery said he was proud of his employees: "They are a credit to themselves and the company".

Rachel Hunter, development manager with HIE Shetland congratulated Shetland Jewellery saying: "In addition to supporting the national programmes, this company also develops an annual training plan for its staff which goes well beyond meeting the everyday statutory training.  It has supported training for its staff both inside and outside of Shetland, for example, to help develop skills in specialist manufacturing techniques and to improve customer care when engaging with the islands' tourists.  The company really cares for it staff and in return demands a high level of skill, as the skill level of its workers reflects directly in its product".