The Abbey Information Exchange: Apply for a QEST Scholarship Funding of up to £18K

APPLY FOR A QEST SCHOLARSHIP FUNDING OF UP TO £18K

The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust or better known as QEST, will once again be taking applications this summer from individuals across the UK. Successful applicants will receive scholarships and apprenticeships of up to £18,000 to help fund vital training and education to sustain essential skills for over 140 craft disciplines including leatherwork and saddlery. This is a fantastic opportunity for many of our customers and with applications opening from next month, we thought it was prudent to write about it now.

Here is what you need to know.

WHEN?

Applications run from the 14th July – 24 August 2020

WHO CAN APPLY?

Any individual UK resident over the age of 18 and seeks to improve their craft skills.

WHAT DO QEST FUND?

• Traditional college courses
• Vocational training
• One-to-one training with a master craftsperson

 In addition to training, QEST will also cover costs directly relating to the training such as travel, accommodation and materials.

TIPS FOR APPLYNG

• On the ‘About You’ section, only include your social media accounts which show off your craft.
• Ensure you include any qualifications that are relevant to your craft.
• When writing about your career, only include work experience deemed relevant to your craft.
• In ‘The Scholarship’ section, clearly explain what you would like to do with your scholarship funding and why.
• Ensure your funding request is realistic. Make sure you do your research.

 
HOW WILL YOUR APPLICATION BE ASSESSED?

• Your existing skill;
• Your commitment and understanding of your craft;
• The training itself;
• How the Scholarship will impact your career;
• Potential risks to the success of the Scholarship.

If you have any questions regarding the application, we encourage you to contact QEST directly here

Lucy Cushley from Northern Ireland is a great example of how QEST has helped progress her career and build a strong and formidable network. As well as working for a saddler, Lucy also runs her own business ‘Saddlery Student’ making bespoke leather goods.

Post college, Lucy repeatedly fell through the funding gap until QEST accepted her application. “QEST not only gave me the funding to do the course but with them, I was able to get to England without having to break my bank balance. It also opened me up to a huge network of amazing craftspeople who, whilst they don’t share my trade, share many of my trials and tribulations of a craft business. I’d definitely encourage people to apply- don’t be put off by the paperwork- just make sure you have a clear plan of what you want to achieve with QEST funding and how afterwards it’s going to improve your skillset and your business. Good luck!”