Applications Are Open: 6 January - 10 February 2025
QEST offers three grants to support makers and conservators at various career stages, strengthening the pipeline of talented craft professionals in the UK. We support contemporary and traditional craft, as well as the exploration of innovative techniques. We define craft as: the skilled making, by hand, of tangible objects, or the conservation/ restoration of such objects.
Since 1990, QEST has funded the training and education of almost 900 makers. Training can take many forms, from traditional college courses to vocational one-on-one tuition with a master craftsperson, or a bespoke programme of short courses. If you’re looking to develop your skills and have identified training that will enable you to advance your craft practice, then one of our grants may be for you.Â
Scholarships
For mid-career to established craftspeople. The Scholarship offers grants between £3,000 and £18,000, plus a place on the Cockpit PDP. These grants support talented individuals to sustain vital skills through targeted training. Applicants should have a high level of skill, a strong body of work and be aiming to elevate their craft further.
Emerging Maker Grant
For early-stage craftspeople, the Emerging Maker Grants aims to develop the next generation of craftspeople, typically those practicing for 4 years or less. The grant provides between £3,000 and £10,000 for essential skills training. Applicants should demonstrate strong potential, a growing body of work and a commitment to progressing their craft.Â
Apprenticeship
These grants help enable a hands-on collaboration between a skilled master and a talented apprentice looking to start a career in craft. Focused on the transfer of expertise through practical workplace learning, the apprenticeship offers funding of up to £12,000. The grant is designed to supplement the apprentices wage over the course of the training.  Â
Choosing which grant
We aim to encourage exceptional craftsmanship, supporting those working at the highest level in their chosen field. To explore the types of crafts and the excellence we’ve supported previously, please visit our makers directory. Â
Our three grants are designed to aid craft skill development through training and education. Each grant is tailored to different stages in practice and levels of experience. Choosing which grant is right for you depends on your stage in practice and the level of mastery you’ve achieved in your craft.
A Scholar demonstrates excellence and a high level of technical skill. They have a clear creative voice or specialism and can execute ideas effectively. They have a strong body of work that reflects significant experience and knowledge in their field. Â
They clearly describe their training plan which is well-researched, consisting of high-quality and well paired activities. They show how the training will enhance their practice, and aligns with long-term career goals, supported by a justified, well-planned budget. They demonstrate a strong future potential.Â
An Emerging Maker has typically been practicing for 4 years or less. They show potential for excellence, with strong foundational skills. Their emerging creative voice or specialism is reflected in a developing body of work, and growing sector knowledge. Committed to skill development through training and self-learning.Â
They clearly describe their training plan which is well-researched, consisting of high-quality and well paired activities. They show how the training will enhance their practice, and aligns with long-term career goals, supported by a justified, well-planned budget. They demonstrate a strong future potential.Â
In this joint application the apprentice demonstrates developing technical skills, a strong willingness to learn, and a growing understanding of their craft. They actively seek skill development through training and self-learning. The employer brings high-level technical expertise and a deep understanding of the sector, with a commitment to mentoring and long-term investment in their craft. Â
The training plan is well-structured, with specific outcomes for each phase, ensuring skills development is aligned with the apprentice's professional goals. The training methods complement each other and ensure steady progress. Â
Eligibility criteria
Applicants for our grants must be:Â
- practicing professionally within the field of craft
- aged 18 or above at the time of application
- living in the UK with the right to reside either permanently or on a long-term basis
- intending to continue to practice in the UK and contribute to the UK craft industry
Applications must be requesting training and education that is taking place in the future.
Next Steps
Read
Access detailed guidance for each grant below:
Scholarship and Emerging Maker Grant
Apprenticeship
Watch
View our Autumn 2024 webinar below:
Scholarship
Emerging Maker Grant
Apprenticeship
Download
Save the application form in Word format:
Scholarship
Emerging Maker Grant
Apprenticeship
Apply
We welcome applications from all talented craftspeople, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or nationality; and particularly encourage those with protected characteristics that are under-represented in the craft sector to apply.Â
Please note applications are open twice a year:
Spring 2025: 6 January to 10 February with awards made in May.
Autumn 2025: 9 July to 13 August with awards made in November.
FAQs
How do you define craft?
Our interpretation of craft is broad, and we support contemporary and traditional craft, as well as the exploration of innovative techniques. We define craft as: The skilled making, by hand, of tangible objects, or the conservation/ restoration of such objects.
I’m based in the UK on a visa – can I apply?
You must have an eligible visa in place at the time of application. We currently accept Settled Status, Pre-settled Status and Partner/Spouse Visas. We do not accept Student Visas.
I’m a mature student – can I apply?
Yes, there is no upper age limit for any of our grants.
What do you mean by professional practice?
QEST does not support those practicing their crafts as a hobby. We only support individuals who practice their craft as a profession, meaning they are earning a living from their craft or aspire to do so.
I’ve received a QEST grant in the past, can I apply again?
Yes, but there are conditions based on the type of grant you initially received. If you received:
- The Emerging Maker Grant, you can apply for the Scholarship 5 years after finishing your training.
- The Scholarship, you can apply for the Apprenticeship as an employer 5 years after completing your training.
- The Apprenticeship, you can apply for the Emerging Maker Grant or Scholarship 5 years after finishing your training.
- If you are a master of an apprentice, you can apply for the Scholarship after completing the Apprenticeship, but you cannot receive both grants at the same time.
I’ve only recently started practising my craft, can I apply?
QEST grants are not intended for those who are new to their practice or those who engage with craft as a hobby. To understand the standard of excellence we support refer to our Maker Directory.
I don’t have any relevant career history/ formal qualifications – does this matter?
No, formal qualifications or extensive career history are not required to apply for our grants. We have supported many self-taught makers, and limited career history does not automatically disqualify you.
I’m an artist – can I apply?
Yes, you can apply, if your practice is within the field of craft. We have supported artists with strong conceptual work, but there must be a clear connection to craft, including materials, technical skills, processes, and making.
Can I apply if I have funding from somewhere else?
Yes, but only if the funding you’ve received does not cover the same expenses you're requesting from QEST. You must declare this in your application or notify QEST, if you receive additional funding.
Can I apply as part of a group or for a collaborative project?
No, our grants are for individuals only, to support the development of personal skills. We do not accept joint or group applications.
What can a QEST grant pay for?
The Scholarship and Emerging Maker Grant cover fees for training or education. As well as some travel, accommodation and materials. The Apprenticeship funding is designed to contribute to the apprentice’s wage during the training period.
What is not covered by a QEST grant?
We don’t fund costs relating to living expenses (e.g rent), business overheads (e.g. studios fees), business investment costs (e.g. tools or equipment) or high-cost materials (e.g. precious metals)
Does it matter if the costs I provide are estimates?
Your final grant amount will be based on the costs you submit in your application. It’s important to research all aspects of your budget and provide an accurate estimate of your costs.
My training is free, can I apply for travel and accommodation costs only?
No, you must request funding for some form of training. Our priority is to allocate funds specifically for training fees.
How much of my request can be associated costs?
We recommend that travel, accommodation and materials make up no more than 30% of your request. We may not always be able to cover all requested costs.
Can the grant cover my day rate whilst I’m away from my practice training?
No, QEST grants do not cover day rates or per diem payments.
How is the grant paid?
Grants are paid directly to your training provider whenever possible. Your trainer will need to invoice QEST. Costs such as travel or accommodation will be paid to you. Apprenticeship funding is paid directly to the employer.
What types of training or education are covered under QEST grants?
The type of activities we fund includes college courses, short courses, further education, one-to-one training with a mentor, instructor or master craftsperson and any combination of these.
What types of training are not eligible?
We do not fund training that takes place before the grant period or is not related to craft, design-only courses, undergraduate degree courses, self-directed study or time dedicated to research, mentoring or coaching or business development courses.
Can QEST help me to identify training/ trainers?
No, QEST does not assist with finding training. However, you can explore other makers in our directory for inspiration.
My place isn’t confirmed/ I don’t have confirmed dates. Does this matter?
No, you can apply before your place is confirmed. If you’re unsuccessful in securing your place, please withdraw your application. If your dates aren’t confirmed please provide estimated dates.
When can my training start?
For Spring applications your training should start no earlier than July. For Autumn applications no earlier than January. Your training must begin within one year of receiving the grant.
My course has already started/ will start before the award is made, can I apply for a grant?
If your course has started/ will start before the grant period, you can apply for the part of the course that will take place during the grant period. We cannot refund payments already made.
Can my training be outside of the UK?
Yes, if you are requesting funding for international travel, please demonstrate that this is the best training option available to you and that similar training cannot be obtained in the UK.
When and how do I apply?
There are two application rounds each year. Spring – opens in early January and closes in mid-February. Autumn – opens in early July and closes in mid-August. Applications are completed via an online form which is available during the application period.
Can I apply for more than one grant?
No, you can only apply for one grant per application round. It is up to you to identify which grant type is best suited to you and your practice.
How long does the application process take?
The application process takes about 6 months. This starts with the grant application window opening through to the grant being awarded. Please factor this into your plans when applying.
What supporting documents are required?
All applicants must submit images. Scholarship and Emerging Maker Grant applications must include references. The Apprenticeship application requires company accounts and a training plan. If these are not submitted the application will not be considered for assessment.
Who should my reference be from? What should it say?
Your reference/s should be from a professional source and include a written statement to support your application. It should include your referees’ name, job title, company, contact details and how they know you.
Can you help me write my application?
No, we can’t assist with writing your application. We can provide limited advice by phone or email, but we are unable to offer specific feedback on your application or help with writing your answers.
How is my application assessed?
The assessment process consists of four stages. At the end of each stage, we’ll email you with the outcome. The stages are pre-assessment, first stage review, second stage review, and interview.
When/ where are the interviews?
There are two application rounds each year. Spring – Interview are held in April, Autumn – Interview are held in October. All interviews are held at QEST’s offices in central London, or you join on Zoom.
If I’m unsuccessful, can I reapply?
Yes, if you do not reach the interview stage, you can reapply in the next round. If you attend an interview, you must wait at least one year before reapplying e.g. if you interview in Spring 2024, you can reapply in Spring 2025.
When is the grant awarded?
There are two application rounds each year. Spring – grants confirmed by early June. Training can be funded from July. Autumn – grants confirmed by early December. Training can be funded from January.
Can I get feedback on my application?
Due to the high volume of applications, we can only provide feedback to those who have attended an interview.
I’ve only just started working with my employer can we apply?
No, you must have been working together in some capacity for at least 6 months before applying.
How long can the apprenticeship last?
The apprenticeship can last between 1 and 3 years, with funding of up to £12,000. The maximum funding available in any one year is £6,000.
Who is the grant recipient?
Although the Apprenticeship is a joint application, the apprentice is considered the primary beneficiary of the training. As a result, the apprentice is viewed as the main applicant.
What are the eligibility criteria for the employer?
The employer must have an annual turnover of less than £632,000, a balance sheet total of £316,000 or less and fewer than 10 employees
How can we use the QEST funding?
The grant is intended to support the apprentice’s wage during the training period. The funding is paid to the employer, with the expectation that it will be used to cover the apprentice's wages.
We are not able to support minimum wage – can we apply?
No, we expect the employer to pay apprenticeship minimum wage in the first year, and the full minimum wage from year two and aim to provide living wage by year three.
Contact the QEST Team
If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for in our FAQs, get in touch with the QEST team for help and advice on your application. For a more detailed discussion, or if you have additional needs, please book a video call.
