Fellows and Sons | Established 1876

Fellows and the School of Jewellery

News

Fellows Auctioneers has been proud to have forged a meaningful partnership with Birmingham City University’s School of Jewellery over recent years. We offer work experience and job opportunities to students pursuing degrees in jewellery and horology. Through our partnership with the School of Jewellery, we have opened our doors to aspiring talents in the jewellery industry. We provide hands-on training, mentorship, and exposure to the intricate world of auctions and the jewellery industry.

During their studies, students can benefit from paid work experience at Fellows. As well as gaining a firsthand understanding of an auction house’s operations through the course of their time working with us, they also make professional connections which will be beneficial to their future careers. This immersive approach enhances their academic learning and also fosters crucial industry connections and professional growth. Post-graduation, we extend employment opportunities to those students and their peers at BCU. We recognise the potential and dedication of Birmingham City University’s graduates and actively create opportunities for them within our company. Many BCU alumni find themselves seamlessly transitioning from students to full-time members of the Fellows team.

As a family business, we understand the importance of training and paving the way for the next generation in our industry. We have been committed to this collaborative endeavour between academia and industry for many years. We find that it not only enriches the students’ educational experiences but also teaches them about the world of work post-university. Their commitment to their studies and work demonstrates a bright future for aspiring jewellery professionals.

Fellows and the School of Jewellery

Look at the feedback from some of those involved in the partnership between Fellows and the School of Jewellery:

Hira Eden Ilyas – HR Manager, Fellows Auctioneers

“I have met the nicest people from networking and finding recruits from BCU’s School of Jewellery. It’s been a nice experience allowing those with the relevant educational background to come and apply their learnings. It is great to work in collaboration with a university that cares about life after university too!”

Michelle McCormick – Lecturer and Schools Outreach Coordinator, Birmingham City University

“For numerous years we have had a fantastic partnership with Fellows Auctioneers. Every year our students have the opportunity to test and examine their jewellery. This provides our students with meaningful industry experience. Working with Hira in my Industry Studies module is a recent addition to our collaboration with Fellows. Hira had one-to-one interviews with the whole class and provided them with valuable feedback. Furthermore, five of the students secured part-time work there.”

Dante – School of Jewellery Student

“The opportunity to have a representative from Fellows help us prepare and practice for our industry studies module was valuable. The interview opportunity with Hira and the work experience at Fellows was highly appreciated. Seeing and working in that setting is something that I believe will benefit me in my future career.”

Adam – School of Jewellery Student

The opportunity presented to me by Michelle offered me the opportunity to interview an industry professional. It allowed me to speak to someone with experience in a field I intend to work in after my degree. I would like to thank Michelle and Hira for the opportunity they have given me.

Furthermore, the opportunity to work at Fellows Auctioneers has provided me valuable insight into how the auctioneering world operates on a day-to-day basis and has allowed me to appreciate the career that I am aiming for.

The Fellows Awards at the School of Jewellery

As well as the job opportunities and work experience, we are also proud to sponsor two awards at Birmingham City University’s School of Jewellery each year. The awards reflect two main areas of the school and our business, Jewellery and Horology.

If you, or someone you know, want to gain experience as a student or are looking for a full-time role, take a look at our careers page. We offer paid internships and part-time employment to the students during their studies. Many recent graduates go on to work with us in our Jewellery and Watch teams.

We also accept speculative enquiries from anyone exploring their career options. To apply, please email a cover letter and your CV to our HR Manager, Hira Eden Ilyas at hira@fellows.co.uk.