Celebrating QEST Apprentices: Passing on Skills for the Future

As we come to the close of National Apprenticeship Week, we’re celebrating some of the talented 2024 QEST Apprentices and their commitment to mastering craft skills with the support of experienced makers. These apprenticeships provide hands-on, practical experience, ensuring the next generation of craftspeople gain the skills and knowledge needed to build sustainable, long-term careers.

^{Above: Apprentice Jack Baker}

Jack Baker is developing key wood-turning and chairmaking techniques under the guidance of Bobby Knight-Mills, while also learning the essential skills needed to run a craft business. Fann Chau, apprenticing with Michael Ruh Studio, is honing her traditional glassblowing skills and pushing creative boundaries, aiming to preserve and innovate within the craft.

Likewise, Ellie Wright, working with Roy O’Neil and Anne Burton at Glasgow Piano City, is dedicated to ensuring Scotland’s piano tuning and restoration techniques continue to thrive, learning from masters in the field. Esme Ripley is expanding her wheel-throwing expertise with Charlotte Manser Ceramics, while gaining hands-on experience in business operations and marketing.

Also this week, Education and Employers, QEST’s partner for the Making the Future programme, were busy sharing inspiring career stories through two school sessions, Crafting the Future and Redraw the Balance. Alongside other professionals, students met thatching apprentice Willow Corbin, carpenter and QEST Youth Board member Elizabeth Jarvis, and QEST Scholar and boat builder Gail McGarva. Both sessions challenged gender role stereotypes and highlighted diverse pathways into craft. Head to the Education and Employers’ Inspiring the Future website for craft career resources and more information on how to take part.

QEST’s apprenticeship grants help to enable vital skills development, offering up to £12,000 to support the apprentice’s wage throughout their training. Applications open twice a year, helping secure the future of craft across the UK. Click here to read about QEST Grants.