The first year of collaboration between the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) and the charity Education and Employers (EE) through the Making the Future campaign has achieved remarkable milestones. Over 6,000 young people from 123 schools engaged with 31 skilled craftspeople across 24 different crafts, gaining insights into diverse career opportunities in the craft and conservation sectors.
The campaign featured various activities both online and in-person, including teacher-led sessions and facilitated events. These activities provided students with opportunities to learn about careers they might not have previously considered. Teachers praised the initiative for making creative careers more visible and relatable to students, while feedback from students highlighted increased awareness of career pathways and the applicability of their school subjects to craft-related professions.
“Very exciting to have careers geared towards the creative sector and have students realise that there are jobs involving a subject they love.”
– Kate Hoddy, Teacher of Textiles, Thurstable School & Sixth Form
Volunteers shared their passion and expertise, with many expressing how rewarding it was to inspire the next generation.
“I enjoyed learning about the other craft makers who also presented their work and loved that, as a group, we were showing a new generation of makers jobs they would have never heard of without the session.”
– Jazmine, Taxidermist
Students were particularly impacted by learning about niche and lesser-known crafts, discovering pathways beyond traditional education, and envisioning themselves pursuing careers in the creative sector.
“All the volunteers made an impact as their industries aren’t as well known and have given us knowledge for entry into these sectors.”
– Year 10 Student
This pilot year sets a strong foundation for the campaign’s second year, which aims to further expand its reach and continue inspiring young people to explore fulfilling careers in craft, contributing to the preservation and evolution of Britain’s cultural heritage.