From jewellery to joinery, glasswork to game design, craft is bursting with creativity – and opportunity.
As we begin the third year of our partnership with the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST), we continue to help young people across the UK to meet talented makers, explore new skills and discover an exciting range of careers. Ones that use craft, conservation and design skills amongst many others.
So far, more than 19,000 students from 200 schools have taken part, meeting makers who turn passion into profession.
A sobering point
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.
Our mission is to change and challenge this. And to bring the amazing, inspiring, creative and brilliant range of craft roles to young people across the UK.
For teachers – bring craft to life in your classroom
We have 1,000s of workplace volunteers who come from across the craft and making sectors. They help young people discover new roles and see how what they learn in school connects to real careers. When a jeweller explains how geometry shapes pattern design, or a ceramicist describes the chemistry behind glazes, subjects like art, science, maths and history come to life in new ways.
Teachers say the impact is immediate: 100% agreed events broadened career awareness and deepened understanding of craft and conservation opportunities. As one teacher told us:
“A couple of students were fascinated by thatching – something not often seen in the North East. They loved discovering that the thatcher was female!”
If your school is not already enrolled, find out more and join Inspiring the Future.
For makers – share your craft, inspire the future
Whether you work with clay, metal, textiles or glass, your creativity can help young people see how you career can be your passion, and how classroom learning links to real careers in craft. When students meet a jeweller who uses chemistry to form alloys, or a conservator who applies history research to restoration, those subjects suddenly come alive.
We know from our volunteers that it’s hugely impactful and rewarding too:
“The session was well structured and engaging. As a volunteer, I learnt new skills and gained experience. Young people benefited from the activity as they learnt about new craft and career options.” – Lulu Harrison, Volunteer
Impact so far – creating lasting change
In just two years, our campaign has reached more than 19,000 young people from over 200 schools across the UK. In Year 2 alone, 13,093 students took part – more than double our first year’s reach.
- 100% of teachers agreed sessions broadened students’ career awareness
- 95% of students said they now feel able to access careers in craft regardless of gender or background
- 80% are considering a craft-related career
These activities and conversations with professional crafters are helping young people see the value of creativity, skill and perseverance in shaping their futures. As one student said:
“It 100% changed my mind [on what I want to do]. Now I want to do art GCSE.”
Get involved in year 3!
Whether you teach, make, design or restore – you can play a part in inspiring the next generation of craftspeople.
- Teachers: bring craft careers to your classroom
- Makers: volunteer and share your skills
Together we can show young people that creativity combined with crafting and curiosity can build bright futures.
About 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.
craft
We know that craft and making skills open the door to a range of fulfilling professional pathways, but it can be difficult to find out about these. 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.