The college in Illinois offers training in jewelry and watch repair to new students on Mondays. The instructors work with students individually, and knowledge and skill gained in each assignment will lead to completing the next one. As part of the training, the environment at the college is designed to simulate actual working conditions. Students are expected to act and dress as though they are working in a repair situation. Upon graduation, the college offers placement assistance. Along with watch, clock and jewelry repair, the college also teaches engraving methods. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify.
The school has been in business for more than 30 years and is approved by the Commissioner of Higher Education to offer distance learning programs. The courses teach all the basic skills needed to successfully repair jewelry, clocks and watches and to turn such precision based skills into a career. There are four courses offered: beginning and intermediate watch repair, master watchmaker, clock repair and restringing and engraving. All materials are provided and mailed and include an instructional DVD or VHS, a toolkit, 24-hour support via email or phone and a text supplement detailing information covered in the videos. All lessons are taught via correspondence only, and each lesson takes up to three weeks on average, although the school does offer some flexibility upon request. Financial assistance is not available.
The Ohio-based institute is an international, professional organization that offers the highest standards of education in the field. The AWCI began in the 1960s and was the country's first unified horological organization. As part of its continuing education program, AWCI offers Bench Courses that can be taken on location in Ohio or scheduled in other states. Topics for these include advanced clock repair, beginning lathe, mechanical watch repair, Seiko Kinetic Quartz watch repair and much more. Courses conducted at the institute in Ohio also include the AWCI 21st Century Watchmaker's Certification program, which includes learning skills on watch repairing. Their basic watch repair course is for 40 hours, Monday to Friday.
The school offers a correspondence diploma course in Jewelry Design and Repair, and all materials are supplied by the school via mail. Students learn how to use tools to repair jewelry, study design techniques and more. Graded projects are given, and students can complete the course in eight months. Financial aid is available.