Design guru on a mission
Through his upliftment project, Trevor aims to equip unemployed Zululanders with the skills to start a career in jewellery design
ARMED with almost 20 years’ jewellery design and manufacturing experience, Empangeni resident Trevor Biyela has chosen to pass on his skills to unemployed Zululanders in the hopes of brightening the future of those less fortunate.
Having won the coveted Galaxy & Co South African Designer Challenge award in 2007, Trevor certainly has the talent to accompany his passion for jewellery design.
Since winning the competition, he has worked for various jewellery manufacturers in Empangeni, Richards Bay and Johannesburg, but recently resigned to pursue his dream of training the next generation of jewellery designers.
‘My dream is to open a jewellery school and train students,’ said Trevor.
‘I have a passion for working with gold, silver and diamonds and giving an identity to these precious metals and stones when designing jewellery pieces.
‘The idea to train people in the trade came to me while in Johannesburg where such services are available, and I thought that would be just what we need in Zululand.’
With four other local jewellers on board, Trevor just needs investors to help fund the project.
‘I have most of the equipment that is needed, I just require some financial help to secure a premises and some other bits and pieces before going ahead and offering workshops.’
Trevor appeals to any individuals or businesses in a position to invest in his community upliftment training programme, which he is certain will help address the massive skills shortage in our region and equip those currently unemployed with employable skills.
‘It is my vision that the training I give others will help them understand the art of jewellery design and manufacture, and give them the necessary knowledge to go forth and study further within the field,’ said Trevor.
His training workshops will also include basic business studies to help those who one day wish to start their own jewellery design business.
‘It is crucial that people know how to run a business to ensure long-term success.’
True to his word, Trevor is training the new owners of Empangeni’s NS Jewellers (formerly DA Jewellers) in jewellery manufacture and design, and mentoring them on the business side of things to ensure the business succeeds.
