Fantastic opportunities for anyone aged over 16 interested in a heritage crafts career are available, through a scheme run by the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) and Allied Livery Companies, which is now seeking applications for support for apprenticeships in stone, embroidery, paper or textile conservation or culinary arts, with a closing date of 1 December.
QEST writes:
The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) Heritage Crafts Apprenticeships are for those who wish to start learning a heritage craft. The Apprenticeships, in association with the Allied Livery Companies, are in five categories – embroidery, stone, paper or textile conservation and culinary arts. The fifth category is open to all crafts.
Applicants are likely to have had some experience and knowledge of the craft, and are aiming to pursue the craft as a career. It is possible for the Apprentices to work with one Master Craftsperson as a trainer and mentor, or to work with various high level craftspeople to learn different, but linked, skills. This Award is being administered by QEST.
Nominations for the award can come from trainee or trainer/employer. Trainers/employers may apply without a specific apprentice in mind, but apprentices must secure the agreement of a trainer/employer. Initial judging and shortlisting will be by the Heritage Crafts Awards judging team, and specialist judges, and final interview, selection and approval will be by QEST committee including specialist judges. There will be HCA representation on this committee. Interviews will be in London and are will take place from 8 to 12 December 2014. The QEST Heritage Crafts Apprentices will be honoured at the HCA Spring Conference. on 9 May 2015.
Specialist judges are:
- Stone – Thomas Appleton, Lettercutter and Stonemason
- Embroidery – Anne Butcher, Programme Director, Royal School of Needework
- Conservation – Susan Bradshaw, Professional Development Manager, Institute of Conservation
- Culinary arts – to be confirmed
Closing date for applications for this Award: Monday 1 December 2014, 2pm
To apply Read the application notes and then download an application form
