Applications open for QEST Grant Programme (United Kingdom)

The QEST Craft Grants 2026 provide funding for professional makers and conservators in the United Kingdom to develop advanced craft skills through training, education, and apprenticeships. The programme offers three funding streams—Scholarships, Emerging Maker Grants, and Apprenticeship Grants—with awards ranging from £3,000 to £18,000, depending on the grant type.

The grants are open to professional craftspeople aged 18 and above who live and work in the UK and are committed to developing their craft while contributing to the UK’s creative and heritage sectors.

What Are the QEST Craft Grants?

The QEST (Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust) Craft Grants support professional makers and conservators at different stages of their careers by funding specialist training, education, and workplace learning.

The programme aims to:

• Preserve traditional and contemporary craft skills
• Develop highly skilled craftspeople
• Support innovation in craft practice
• Strengthen the UK’s craft workforce
• Encourage lifelong professional development
• Promote knowledge transfer between experienced professionals and emerging makers

The grants help individuals gain new technical skills, refine existing expertise, and build sustainable careers in the craft sector.

Why the QEST Craft Grants Matter

The UK craft sector relies on highly skilled professionals to preserve traditional techniques while embracing innovation.

QEST supports this goal by:

• Protecting endangered craft skills
• Investing in professional development
• Supporting the next generation of makers
• Encouraging excellence in craftsmanship
• Strengthening heritage and creative industries
• Promoting long-term sustainability within the craft sector

The programme helps ensure valuable skills continue to be passed from one generation to the next.

Types of QEST Grants

QEST offers three different funding opportunities designed for different career stages.

1. QEST Scholarship

The Scholarship is designed for mid-career to established craftspeople seeking advanced professional development.

The funding supports individuals who wish to:

• Refine advanced techniques
• Deepen specialist expertise
• Explore innovation in their craft
• Undertake targeted professional training
• Sustain high-level craft skills

Scholarship Funding

Applicants may receive:

• £3,000 to £18,000

Successful Scholarship recipients also receive:

• A place on the Cockpit Professional Development Programme (PDP)

Ideal Scholarship Applicants

Applicants should demonstrate:

• High levels of technical skill
• A strong professional portfolio
• Significant practical experience
• Commitment to advancing their craft
• Clear professional development goals

2. Emerging Maker Grant

The Emerging Maker Grant supports early-career craftspeople building their professional practice.

It is intended for makers who have typically been practicing for:

• Approximately 1 to 5 years

The grant helps recipients:

• Strengthen technical skills
• Build specialist knowledge
• Access professional training
• Develop sustainable craft careers

Emerging Maker Grant Funding

Applicants may receive:

• £3,000 to £10,000

Characteristics of an Emerging Maker

Successful applicants generally demonstrate:

• Strong foundational craft skills
• A developing body of work
• Growing sector knowledge
• Commitment to continuous learning
• Potential for long-term excellence

Training Expectations

Applicants should present a well-developed training plan that:

• Builds technical skills
• Develops a clear craft specialism
• Supports long-term career goals
• Includes carefully selected training activities
• Provides a realistic and detailed budget

3. Apprenticeship Grant

The Apprenticeship Grant supports practical workplace learning through collaboration between an experienced craft professional and an apprentice.

The programme promotes direct knowledge transfer through hands-on training.

Apprenticeship Funding

Funding of up to:

• £12,000

The grant helps supplement the apprentice’s wages throughout the apprenticeship.

Joint Application Requirement

Applications are submitted jointly by:

• The apprentice
• The employer or master craftsperson

Both applicants contribute to the proposal.

Apprentice Expectations

The apprentice should demonstrate:

• Developing technical skills
• Motivation to learn
• Commitment to craft development
• Willingness to undertake practical training
• Continuous self-learning

Employer Expectations

The employer should demonstrate:

• Advanced technical expertise
• Strong industry knowledge
• Commitment to mentoring
• Long-term investment in craft skills
• Capacity to provide high-quality workplace training

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

Applicants must meet the general eligibility requirements for the relevant grant.

General Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be practicing professionally in the craft sector
• Be at least 18 years old at the time of application
• Live in the United Kingdom
• Have the legal right to reside in the UK permanently or on a long-term basis
• Intend to continue practicing within the UK
• Contribute to the UK craft industry

Inclusive Application Policy

QEST welcomes applications from talented craftspeople regardless of:

• Race
• Gender
• Sexual orientation
• Religion
• Disability
• Nationality

The programme particularly encourages applications from individuals with protected characteristics that are underrepresented in the UK craft sector.

Funding Overview

Available funding includes:

• Scholarship: £3,000–£18,000
• Emerging Maker Grant: £3,000–£10,000
• Apprenticeship Grant: Up to £12,000

Funding supports:

• Professional training
• Specialist education
• Skills development
• Workplace learning
• Career advancement

How to Apply for a QEST Grant

Applicants should follow these steps:

Step 1: Choose the Appropriate Grant

Select the funding stream that matches your career stage:

• Scholarship
• Emerging Maker Grant
• Apprenticeship Grant

Step 2: Prepare a Training Plan

Develop a detailed plan explaining:

• Skills you wish to develop
• Training activities
• Learning objectives
• Career outcomes
• Expected benefits

Step 3: Prepare a Budget

Create a realistic budget outlining:

• Training costs
• Course fees
• Travel (if applicable)
• Materials
• Other eligible expenses

The budget should clearly demonstrate how the grant funding will be used.

Step 4: Demonstrate Professional Experience

Applicants should provide evidence of:

• Current practice
• Portfolio of work
• Technical skills
• Previous achievements
• Career progression

Apprenticeship applicants should also demonstrate the suitability of both the apprentice and employer.

Step 5: Submit the Application

Complete the official application and provide all required supporting documentation before the application deadline.

Benefits of QEST Funding

Successful applicants receive opportunities to:

• Develop advanced technical skills
• Learn from leading craft experts
• Preserve traditional craftsmanship
• Build stronger professional careers
• Increase industry recognition
• Expand professional networks
• Strengthen the UK craft sector

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants can strengthen their application by:

• Clearly explaining career goals
• Demonstrating technical excellence
• Presenting a realistic training plan
• Showing how training addresses skill gaps
• Including a strong portfolio
• Providing a detailed and accurate budget
• Explaining how the training benefits the wider craft sector

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Submitting incomplete applications
• Providing vague training objectives
• Presenting unrealistic budgets
• Failing to explain career impact
• Choosing unrelated training activities
• Weak portfolio presentation
• Not demonstrating commitment to professional craft practice

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the QEST Craft Grants?

QEST Craft Grants provide funding for professional makers and conservators in the UK to undertake specialist training, education, and apprenticeships.

What funding is available?

Funding includes:

• Scholarships: £3,000–£18,000
• Emerging Maker Grants: £3,000–£10,000
• Apprenticeship Grants: Up to £12,000

Who can apply?

Professional craftspeople aged 18 or older who live in the UK, have the right to reside, and intend to continue working within the UK craft sector are eligible.

Who should apply for the Emerging Maker Grant?

The Emerging Maker Grant is designed for early-career craftspeople, typically with one to five years of professional practice.

What is included in the Apprenticeship Grant?

The Apprenticeship Grant provides up to £12,000 to help support an apprentice’s wages while they receive workplace training from an experienced craft professional.

Do Scholarship recipients receive additional support?

Yes. Scholarship recipients also receive a place on the Cockpit Professional Development Programme (PDP) alongside their training grant.

Does QEST encourage applications from underrepresented groups?

Yes. QEST welcomes applications from all eligible craftspeople and particularly encourages applications from individuals with protected characteristics that are underrepresented in the craft sector.

Conclusion

The QEST Craft Grants 2026 provide valuable funding for professional makers and conservators seeking to develop their skills, preserve traditional craftsmanship, and strengthen their careers within the UK creative industries.

Whether through an advanced Scholarship, an Emerging Maker Grant, or a practical Apprenticeship Grant, the programme invests in talent at every stage of the craft profession, helping ensure that the UK’s rich craft heritage continues to thrive through education, innovation, and skills transfer.