Apprenticeships

The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) offers apprenticeship funding of up to £12,000 over three years (up to a maximum of £6000 per year) for the training and education of aspiring craftspeople. We provide these opportunities to maintain vital skills in traditional and contemporary crafts and advance the quality of craftsmanship in the United Kingdom.

what do we fund?

Apprenticeship funding of up to £12,000 over two to three years, up to a maximum of £6000 per year, to contribute to the apprentice's salary, ensuring they receive at least the minimum wage.

who can apply?

The application process for a QEST Apprenticeship involves a collaborative effort between an organisation or master and the individual apprentice. It is a joint application that demonstrates the commitment of both parties to the development and growth of the apprentice's craft skills.

Apprentices must be:

  • Aged 18 or above at the time of application (with no upper age limit)

  • Living in the UK with the right to reside permanently

  • Able to demonstrate a certain level of skill and potential for excellence (meaning that they possess some experience and are not completely new to the field)

  • Committed to their craft, with a willingness to remain with the organisation they are apprenticed to in the long term and/or an aspiration to establish their own business in the future

  • Employed or working closely with the master or company for a minimum of 6 months (preferably 1 year) before applying

Employers must be:

  • A micro-business or sole trader based in the UK. These businesses must meet the eligibility criteria outlined by Companies House, which include a turnover of less than £632,000, a balance sheet value of £316,000 or less, and fewer than 10 employees

  • Able to demonstrate a sound and viable business, along with genuine financial need, illustrating their requirement for QEST's support to hire an apprentice

  • Unable to access funds from any other apprenticeship schemes, including government programs

For more details and application, follow the link here

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