The US$ 27 billion Indian gems and Jewellery industry is the fastest growing Jewellery market in the world. Recognised as the diamond polishing capital of the world, the country is gaining prominence as an international sourcing destination for high quality designer Jewellery with global retail majors such as Wal-Mart and JC Penney procuring Jewellery from India!The Jewellery Industry can also be very much rewarding to the trained Professionals of this industry. ATR Jewellery Academy is pioneer in creating the professionals of this field. Franchise Mart had Exclusive Talk with Mr. Nitin Bardia, Director, ATR Jewellery Academy and knew about this fast emerging sector with enormous opportunities for the Jewellery professionals.

FM: Since when you have been in this Jewellery business and how the idea of Jewellery design institute came into existence?

NB: A.T.Jewellers has been in the Jewellery business since the last 52 years while ATR Institute of Jewellery Design came into being in 2005. AT Jewellers are No.1 Jewellers in Central India and their name is ‘the symbol of trust’. The patronage and success the Bardia family has received inspired Mr.Tilokchand Bardia to give back to society. He decided to do it through Jewellery education by providing trained professionals to the Jewellery industry.

FM: How is the scope of Jewellery designing in India?

NB: Jewellery Designing in present times has tremendous scope in India. The international market is again opening up and the domestic market is showing tremendous dynamism for new trends and designs. Higher disposable incomes and globalization has led to more interest in Jewellery design on the part of the customer and this has led to the requirement of trained Jewellery professionals.

FM: What are the career avenues for the students after Jewellery designing course?

NB: The Jewellery industry provides a vast spectrum of opportunities for the trained professional right from working as a Jewellery designer to running their own business. Other avenues include working in a retail outlet to managing it, working as a production manager or freelancing as a designer. The prospects are immense.

FM: Which courses do you offer in your institute?

NB: ATR offers both Certificate and University Courses. The Certificate Courses includes a 6 month’s Basic Course in Jewellery Design and a One Year Advance Course in Jewellery Design besides a 45 days course in Techniques in Jewellery Retail. The University Courses include the following: a. One Year Diploma in Jewellery Designb. One Year Diploma in Jewellery Manufacturec. One Year Diploma in Gemology and Diamond Gradingd. One Year Diploma in Jewellery Retail Managemente. Three Year Degree Course B.Sc in Jewellery Design and f. Two Year Post Graduate Degree, MBA in Jewellery Business ManagementBesides this, ATR also conducts a number of Short-term courses in Diamond Grading, Gemology, CAD Designing Course and has a special batch for housewives.

FM: Tell us about the franchising module of your company.

NB: To avail of the ATR Franchise Opportunity, the franchisee may have to invest from Rs.5 – 30lac depending on the module selected. The requirement of space in this case varies from 1500 – 3500 sq.ft. The franchisee will have to show a strong financial background and a willingness to work hard and run the business according to the plan.

FM: What support system you provide to the franchisees?

NB: Our Franchisee Support System includes the following:- Curriculum: Regular Up gradations will be done- Faculty: Up gradation of faculty through direct (at least once a year) and online (Ongoing through the year) trainings. ATR Corporate can also help in providing faculty support wherever possible.- National level Advertising support- Regional Level Advertising support: Providing creative and media plan.- Marketing support: Doing market research and providing techniques to make inroads into unexplored sectors as well as provide innovative as well as time-tested strategies for tapping existing market.- Franchisee Audit Plan: KPIs will be provided as a benchmark for a healthy business and this shall be regularly followed up by the ATR Corporate.- P.R.: Publicity shall be given in magazines and newsletters to students’ and centers’ ATR-related activities.- Celebrity and guest faculty will be provided to centers at a cost.

FM: How many franchises you have across India and in which cities?

NB: ATR has 37 franchisees across India and they are located in the following cities (some locations have Multiple franchisees):AJMER, JAIPUR, KANPUR, PUNE,SAGAR ARCADE, MEERUT, DEHRADHUN, KOLHAPUR, AGRA, NASIK, UDAIPUR, AURANGABAD, BHILWARA, BARODA, LUDHIANA, MUMBAI, DELHI, CHANDIGARH, BEAWAR, MOHALI, NANDED, AMRAVATI, SECUNDERABAD, SURAT, V.V.NAGAR, VARANASI, GANDHINAGAR, INDORE, DHARAMSHALA, MOGA, RAJKOT, NAGPUR, AHMEDABAD AND BHOPAL.

FM: Tell us about your further expansion plans.

NB: The ATR Jewellery Academy aims to expand thus by 2013:- Have at least one Academy in each of the 28 states and 7 Union territories of India. – Have at least 3 institutes running certificate courses in each of the 28 states and 7 Union territories of India. FM: Tell us about your company’s future plans NB: ATR plans to become the one-point place for education for any individual who wants to pursue a career in the Jewellery industry. In this regard, ATR plans to add on relevant courses and also collaborate with suitable companies that can share our vision. Other plans include developing I- jewels boutique in all those states and U.Ts having the Academy, developing an on-line design business.