Maintenance

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• specialist courses run by training organisations

University

There is a small number of university courses in England, covering this subject, for example:

• a degree in horology
• a foundation degree in historic craft practices - clocks
• a diploma in conservation studies - clocks

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

College

You may be able to do a part-time course in clock or watch servicing, which could help you to get a trainee position with a watch and clock repair company.

Apprenticeship

You could apply for a place on a Watchmaker Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

This apprenticeship takes around 2 years to complete.

Entry requirements

To get onto an apprenticeship, you'll find it useful to have:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

Other routes

You could take training through the British Horological Institute. They offer short courses for beginners along with more advanced qualifications.

You can study for a professional qualification on the Watchmaker Training Programme at The British School of Watchmaking.

The Worshipful Company of Clockmakers also has details about full-time and part-time training courses.

More information

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the British Horological Institute and The Worshipful Company of Clockmakers for training opportunities and professional development.

Further information

You can find out more about watch and clockmaking careers from the British Horological Institute.

View all vacancies in this region

With experience, you could manage a workshop or retail jewellery outlet, or run your own business repairing or designing watches.

You could specialise in working for luxury clock and watch maker brands.

If you specialise in antique watches or clocks, you could work with museums, conserving and restoring their collections. You might also work for auctioneers as a valuer.

You can find out more about watchmaking careers from the British Horological Institute.