Students protest cuts to jewelry programs at George Brown

Students at George Brown College held a protest on Wednesday against the college's decision to reduce its jewelry and gemmology programs starting this fall. The college plans to only accept new students into its one-year jewelry essentials program. Protesters gathered at the Casa Loma campus before marching to the waterfront campus. They presented letters expressing their concerns to college officials. Students argue that the three-year jewelry arts, two-year jewelry methods, and one-year gemmology programs are unique in Canada and essential for hands-on training. The college cited a drop in enrolment and financial pressures as reasons for the program cuts. They also pointed to a federal cap on international students that has affected colleges nationwide. While the college assures that current students can still graduate, many feel that the changes will harm future generations of jewelry professionals. Protest organizers expressed deep emotional distress over the situation. Many students believe that George Brown’s jewelry programs have equipped them with vital skills for their careers. Graduates also spoke out, saying the programs were critical in shaping their successful careers in the jewelry industry. Some industry professionals warned that cutting these programs could negatively impact the Canadian jewelry market. They believe that without new graduates, the industry could struggle to maintain skilled workers. The college is encouraged to explore financial solutions to preserve its jewelry and gemmology programs.