The Jewellery Occupational Skilling Hub (JOSH), the first-ever industry-funded, state-of-the-art training centre of the Gem & Jewellery Skill Council of India (GJSCI), held its convocation ceremony at Bharat Ratnam Mega CFC SEEPZ, Mumbai on 12th February. The event celebrated the graduation of 136 candidates, comprising the ninth batch of regular trainees and the second and third batches of Specially Abled Persons.
The convocation was graced by dignitaries including chief guest Mr. Dnyaneshwar B. Patil, IAS, Development Commissioner, SEEPZ-SEZ; Mr. Raghuraj Rajendran, IAS, Secretary (Technical Education), Skill Development and Employment, Government of Madhya Pradesh; and Mr. Sriram Natarajan, Managing Director, Gemological Institute of America (GIA); Also present on the occasion was Shri. Milan Chokshi, Chairman, GJSCI.
In his welcome address, Mr. Milan Chokshi congratulated the graduates for their dedication and perseverance in joining the gems and jewellery industry. He also extended gratitude to industry partners, including Mega CFC, SEEPZ Development Commissioner’s office, and GIA, for their continuous support in bridging the skill gap in the sector.
The highlight of the ceremony was the awarding of certificates to graduates, recognising their hard work and newly acquired skills.
Mr. Dnyaneshwar B. Patil praised JOSH’s efforts in empowering underprivileged and specially abled individuals by providing them with valuable training and employment opportunities. Mr. Sriram Natarajan echoed these sentiments, reaffirming GIA’s commitment to supporting JOSH as part of its educational mission.
As part of an agreement, all candidates from the Specially Abled Persons batch secured employment with Jewelex India Pvt. Ltd., while most general batch trainees were absorbed by various jewellery companies within SEEPZ as apprentices.