In the second year of our partnership with Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST), we are thrilled to continue inspiring the next generation of makers and craftspeople with Crafting Pathways, a key initiative within the Making the Future campaign. This programme highlights the incredible opportunities within the craft and conservation sector by connecting young people with skilled craftspeople and showcasing the diverse careers available.
Whether you’re a ceramicist, textile designer, woodworker, or clockmaker, your expertise and passion can help us bring these opportunities to life for young people. By demonstrating the connections between the subjects they study in school and the rewarding careers in craft, we aim to inspire students to explore their creative potential. Whatever their interests, there’s a craft career waiting to match their talents and ambitions.
Impact: Reaching young minds
In just one year, Crafting Pathways has made a remarkable impact. Thousands of young people across the UK have had the chance to engage with master craftspeople, gaining insight into careers that blend creativity with hands-on skill. To date, over 6,000 students from 123 different schools have met and been inspired by various craftspeople, sparking a deeper appreciation for the artistry and dedication that goes into these vital professions.
Why we need your help
Despite the programme’s success, the craft sector continues to face challenges, including an ageing workforce and a lack of awareness among young people about the diverse career opportunities available. By joining us, you can help expand the reach of Crafting Pathways and ensure that more students understand how their classroom learning connects to fulfilling careers in craft and conservation. Your support will help us inspire the next generation of creators, entrepreneurs, and artisans.
Who Is QEST?
The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) plays a pivotal role in supporting and sustaining the craft sector. Established in 1990, QEST provides funding for the training and education of talented craftspeople, ensuring the continuation of traditional and contemporary skills across the UK. By partnering with QEST, we’re able to showcase the stories of exceptional individuals who are preserving and innovating craft traditions while mentoring the next wave of makers.
QEST is committed to ensuring that all young people have the opportunity to meet inspiring makers through their local schools and colleges, and to find out more about the incredible array of careers that use hand-skills and creative thinking. We know that craft and making skills open the door to a range of fulfilling and sustainable professional pathways, but it can be difficult to find out about these opportunities. Through the Making the Future campaign, we encourage colleagues across the craft, conservation, and manufacturing sectors to share their stories and experiences with young people.
Deborah Pocock LVO, CEO, Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust
Sign up to volunteer today and inspire young people to consider a future in craft.