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.