Mexico polishes its silversmiths.

• Author: Goethals, Henry
• Position: Americas: !Ojo!

Calling all potential silversmiths: a unique Mexican school is offering a one-year program to train apprentices in the production of high-grade silver jewelry.

The school is the Centro Platero de Zacatecas, located in Mexico's historic mining region in the state of the same name. Established by leading Mexican silver companies in conjunction with the state and federal governments and funded by leading silver fabricators and miners of Mexico, the Centro seeks to revive activity in silver, create jobs, increase awareness of the beauty and value of Mexican silver products, and promote tourism in Zacatecas State.

For admission to the apprentice course, students, whose ages range from 14 to 45, must demonstrate artistic aptitude as well as an understanding of the principles of business and promotion. To prepare its graduates to earn a livelihood, the Centro drills its...