UK Leather Federation encourages craftspeople to apply for Qest funding

24/01/2018
UK-based leather and footwear workers are being encouraged to apply to the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) for funding to help with qualifications and course fees. 

The UK Leather Federation is also encouraging small businesses to submit applications to help them to employ apprentices.

Qest supports “education and excellence in craft” and “funds talented people”.

Recent recipients of the award include saddle makers who want to achieve higher qualifications, a leathergoods worker who used funding to train in Italy, and master shoemakers who wish to run footwear courses.

The Leatherseller’s Company Charitable Fund, The Worshipful Company of Saddlers and footwear brand Tricker’s are among the trust’s supporters.  

Applicants have until February 14 to submit their plans via the Qest website.