GIA and Istanbul Kemerburgaz University Sign MOU
July 10, 12
(IDEX Online News) – Istanbul Kemerburgaz University (IKU) and GIA (Gemological Institute of America) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to expand employment opportunities in Turkey by providing vocational education in gems and jewelry.
GIA will debut its Accredited Jewelry Professional Diploma and Diamond Grading Lab Class, as well as provide skill-building seminars on relevant gem and jewelry topics, in Turkey.
It also plans to establish its Graduate Gemologist, Graduate Diamonds and Jewelry Design diplomas and other courses on retail excellence and merchandising. These programs will provide skills and knowledge to professionals across the industry in Turkey including manufacturers, retailers, jewelry designers and retail sales associates.
"Expanding gemological education across the region will help develop a skilled workforce, offer opportunity to local youth and support the gem and jewelry sector in Turkey," said GIA president and CEO Donna Baker.
Dr. Yıldırım Üçtuğ, president of IKU, said GIA’s gemology expertise would complement the BA in jewelry design that the university currently offers.“We believe there is a lot of scope for gem and jewelry education in Turkey and are looking forward to expanding the education portfolio with GIA,” he said.