At Walsall Leather Skills Centre (WLSC), we believe that financial barriers should never hold someone back from pursuing their passion for craftsmanship. That’s why we’re excited to highlight two fantastic funding opportunities available in 2025 for aspiring and established craftspeople: the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) grants and Heritage Crafts training bursaries.
QEST Grants: Applications Open 6 January – 10 February 2025
Since 1990, QEST has supported the training and education of nearly 900 makers, strengthening the UK’s craft industry.
Grants are awarded twice a year, with the next application rounds being 6 January – 10 February (awards in May) and 9 July – 13 August (awards in November).
Whether you’re an emerging talent or a seasoned craftsperson, QEST offers three types of grants to suit different career stages:
1. Scholarships
Designed for mid-career to established craftspeople, the QEST Scholarships provide between £3,000 and £18,000 to support targeted training and skill development. Recipients also gain access to the Cockpit Professional Development Programme (PDP). If you have a strong portfolio and want to take your craft and skills to new heights, this grant could be your next step.
2. Emerging Maker Grants
For those in the early stages of their craft journey (typically practicing for less than four years), the Emerging Maker Grant offers between £3,000 and £10,000. These funds help budding craftspeople gain essential skills through training courses or one-on-one tuition with master craftspeople.
3. Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships provide up to £12,000 to support a collaborative learning experience between a master craftsperson and a promising apprentice. The funding helps cover the apprentice’s wage during hands-on, practical workplace training.
Eligibility for QEST Grants:
- Applicants must be aged 18 or above.
- You should be practicing professionally within the craft sector.
- Applicants must reside in the UK and intend to continue contributing to the UK craft industry.
- Applications must request training that will take place in the future.
Heritage Crafts Bursaries: Applications Open January 2025
Heritage Crafts is dedicated to preserving traditional crafts practiced in the UK for at least two generations. These bursaries aim to diversify the craft sector by supporting individuals who might otherwise face financial barriers to training. Successful applicants receive up to £4,000 to cover or contribute towards:
- Apprenticeship-style training with a craftsperson.
- Specialist training courses (accredited or non-accredited).
- Self-directed training with one or more craftspeople.
- Specialist tools, materials, books, or study materials (up to 30% of the total budget).
What the bursary cannot cover:
- General living expenses.
- Salaries.
- Research or promotional activities.
Applications for specific crafts open in January so keep your eyes peeled, with an open round for any heritage craft expected in May 2025. Heritage Crafts also provides support through action plans and regular progress monitoring.
Why Apply for Funding?
Many talented individuals are afraid or unable to pursue heritage crafts due to real or perceived financial constraints. Funding opportunities like those from QEST and Heritage Crafts remove these barriers, helping craftspeople at all stages of their careers to access quality training and build sustainable careers in the industry.
How WLSC Can Help
Walsall Leather Skills Centre offers a range of courses, from Saddle Repairs & Flocking to Advanced Harness making and Side Saddle Construction. Many of our courses are eligible for the QEST grants and Heritage Crafts bursaries, helping makers to get started or develop additional skills to advance careers.
Whether you’re starting out or looking to develop, up-skill and refine your expertise, our expert tutors and skills centre in Walsall, the heart and home of the leather trade, are here to support your journey.
For more information on our courses and guidance on applying for funding, contact us.
Let 2025 be the year you take your craft to the next level with the help of WLSC and these take advantage of these funding opportunities available to you.
