Alumni connect with Bristol school students

Around 80 students from Bedminster Down School in Bristol learned about the possibilities of a career in craft at our recent Making the Future event, in partnership with Education & Employers.

QEST Alumni Geoff Hannis (woodturning), Deborah Wilding (hand embroidery), Chloe Monks (ceramics) and Theadora Ballantyne-Way (printmaking) volunteered their time at the school, connecting with young people in Years 10-11.

The session was the second in-person school event held since the Making the Future campaign launched, creating transformative change for young people who have never experienced practical craft skills or had access to professionals working in the arts/craft sector. 

At Bedminster, the session was a chance for students studying subjects such as art, design, photography and engineering to learn about careers they may not have considered.  

The four makers shared their craft journey and demonstrated their skills, with students seizing the opportunity to ask questions and try their hand at the specific craft.

Teacher of Art and Photography at Bedminster Downs School Laura Jones said the session was hugely beneficial for students interested in exploring a creative career pathway.

“All was discussed and no questions about their jobs were off limits. The visitors are real people, making a living in the city where our students are from. Students were able to see that their passions could proceed and become their career if they so wish, because it is possible!”

QEST Alumni and volunteer Chloe Monks explained her journey into ceramics and showed students the equipment she uses.

“Representation of arts, and particularly craft, within the school curriculum, is sadly decreasing, and with that, so is the number of young people who pursue a career in the arts,” she said.

“Days like this, exposing young people to the variety and opportunity that craft careers can provide, can only be a positive thing.”

The feedback from students was encouraging, with 65% of students feeling that they’re able to access careers or sectors of their choice regardless of gender or background,

And, 78% said they learnt about a job in the craft and conservation sector that they didn’t know about before.

One student said it was “interesting learning about handmaking by wood. It’s the best thing to see that some people are still making things by wood.”

Another said the best piece of advice they learned during the day was to “stay motivated even during your self-doubts.”

Are you a craftsperson or manufacturing business interested in inspiring young people to consider a craft career?

More volunteers are always welcome for Making the Future, open to those who can spare at least one hour per year to engage with a local school.

If you’re interested, please visit the campaign page for more details.