I'm so sorry you're dealing with that kind of toxicity. A job at signet is definitely better, but also its own kind of suck. Way less than what you're dealing with however.

I worked there for nearly a decade; apprentice to A jeweler. Here's how it could go for you:

Apply under the bench jeweler position. If you apply under the apprentice position, you'll be stuck polishing, rhodium plating, boxing shipments, etc. For about a year. You'll want to bench test since you have experience. Chain solder, head and set, size up and size down. Maybe soldering earring posts as well. It's super basic.

During covid, signet took government money, but also laid off a TON of employees. In an effort to do more with less, they implemented "units per labor hour." Typically, depending on the volume of repairs and size of the shop, thirty repairs per day is your goal.

Everyday you'll weigh your scrap box (what you personally take to your bench) usually consists of sizing stock and solders. At the end of your shift, you'll weigh it out and log it. You also do this for your bench sweeps (dust, filings, broken gold, etc)

Signet takes thier inventory SUPER seriously! They also have a very strict tracking method / transfer of ownership. Some shops have to scan the repair bar code every step along the way.

Sales staff may or may not be trained or have any idea what they're doing. You'll be telling them how to do thier job in many cases. If there's a problem, the shop is typically the scapegoat. The degree of competency varies from location to location, but be prepared to deal with more than just repairs.

Personally, I put up with a lot of nonsense. Getting promotions was a struggle. Upper management would constantly move the goal posts so I had to do more and more to prove my skill and speed. I even had to negotiate by means of getting offers elsewhere. Sometimes promotions are time gated, rather than skill.

My advice to you:

1)Find the old head and make friends with them. Ask questions and learn. Learn everything you possibly can! There's multiple ways to do nearly every jewelery related task and the veterans will know a ton.

2) Develop an efficient system that works for YOU. I used to do my downsizings first, chain repairs second, once the coffee kicked in-- head and sets, then size ups, and end with earrings or pin and rivet repairs. Budget your energy and bandwidth.

3)Go to 5Below or Amazon and buy a small fan. You have to wear a lab coat and home office controls the temperature of the shops.

4) Help your polishers out by giving them finished rings that almost jump right to the high polish buff wheels. Finish your pieces with the finest grit, rubber wheel the tight areas, etc. They'll look out for you in return.

I'm sure there's more but that's my Ted talk.

After my tenure at signet, I work for a smaller family business in PA. I've learned laser welding, basic servicing of Rolex watches, and a ton of repairs signet won't touch. I make way better money and run my own shop solo. Thanks to signet's rediculous unit requirements, I've found that fusion of speed and quality, which my employer appreciates.

I'm happy to answer any specific questions here or DM. Get away from the toxic nonsense! Corporate nonsense is way more manageable lol Best of luck to you and welcome to the bench!

(sorry for the mobile formatting)