Auckland Jeweller John Franich Honoured with Prestigious Trade Certified Master Certification

In a landmark announcement celebrating excellence and tradition in New Zealand's jewellery craft, John Franich, the venerable founder of John Franich Jewellers in West Auckland, has been awarded the esteemed Trade Certified Master Certification. This prestigious recognition elevates him to the distinguished ranks of Trade Certified, Master Tradespersons, an honour that connects modern professional skill with the deep-rooted, historic traditions of the industry. The certification was officially presented at a Christmas Launch Event on Thursday 4 December at the John Franich store in the Northwest Shopping Centre, marking a profound moment of peer recognition for a craftsman whose artistry has graced the industry for years.

A Certified Master is Not Just an Award

The Trade Certified Master Certification is not merely an award; it is a rigorous designation upheld by the Jewellery Industry Registration Board of New Zealand (JIRBNZ) and enshrined in the Masters and Apprenticeship Act of 1865. Attainment of this title is a testament not only to an individual's own high skill but also to their enduring commitment to the future of the trade. As the official statement noted, John Franich has successfully completed all requirements to be assessed and Registered as a Master Manufacturing Jeweller, a title secured by fulfilling duties defined in the historic Act.

What's Behind a Master Status Certification?

The application process for this master designation is demanding and multi-faceted, ensuring only the most dedicated and accomplished craftspeople receive the honour. The first prerequisite demands that the applicant already holds a Trade Certificate as a Qualified Manufacturing Jeweller or a Qualified Watch and Clockmaker. Franich, already a Qualified, Trade Certified Manufacturing Jeweller, met this foundational requirement.

Crucially, the second prerequisite focuses on the master's commitment to nurturing new talent. It requires the applicant to have successfully taken an apprentice through their complete training cycle—an apprenticeship in its entirety—to the point where the apprentice has also been awarded their Trade Certification. This act of mentorship is the beating heart of the certification, embodying the spirit of the 1865 Act, which defines a 'master' as someone who will "teach the apprentice in the trade of, and all and everything relating to it according to the best of the power, skill, and knowledge under the master's command." By guiding an apprentice to full qualification, John Franich has proven himself a true master in the art of instruction and professional development, ensuring the continuation of a skilled trade.

Finally, the third prerequisite requires the candidate to be "deemed to be a fit and proper person." This is a moral and ethical measure, ensuring the Master has upheld "at all times the tradition and integrity of the Jewellery Industry," conducting themselves and their business in a manner that reflects credit to the Trade, their fellow members, and the industry as a whole. Franich’s success is a reflection of his unimpeachable character and his steadfast dedication to the highest standards.

Who Decides Who Gets a Masters Certificate?

Grant Harrison, the Industry appointed Commissioner of Apprentices and Foreign Partnerships for JIRBNZ, awarded the Masters Certificate and expressed delight at the news. "We need to recognise the Master who has successfully taught and guided an apprentice through all the tasks they must master to gain their Trade Certification," Harrison stated. 

"Through being awarded this certificate John Franich can officially call themselves a Master. We shouldn’t forget the importance the role of the Master plays." Harrison lauded the master and apprentice system’s remarkable resilience, noting the enduring relevance of the Act’s original words, which have survived over 150 years—an agreement JIRBNZ holds a copy of dating back to 1896 between William Maud and his apprentice James Pascoe.

John Franich Jewellers, a proudly Kiwi business run by John and his wife Jenni Franich, has long been a fixture in West Auckland. The honour means a huge amount to John Franich, who is now among only a handful of Kiwi craftspeople to achieve this level of recognition.

Speaking at the presentation, John Franich highlighted the start of his journey when a young artisan finished his apprenticeship and was sent off into the world, with no certification to show for it.  In his first role he was left alone with 300 ounces (over 8kgs of raw gold) to look after and a pay rise of £2 a week from the £3 he earned at a local restaurant.

In Conclusion

The Master Certification is more than a personal achievement; it is a potent symbol for the entire New Zealand jewellery community. It reinforces the importance of apprenticeship in maintaining a skilled and globally recognised trade. As Grant Harrison proudly declared, "A skilled trade is one that requires an apprenticeship to enter. We produce apprentices that are globally recognised as the among the best and are well sought after as qualified tradespeople."

The Trade Certified Master Certification officially places John Franich's name on the JIRB NZ Registry of recognised Masters. "Well done, John. The entire industry thanks you for your service and for keeping the standards high." Grant Harrison

-----Information on how to apply for a Masters Trade certification can be found at www.jirbnz.org.nz or requested by direct email: info@jirbnz.org.nz.