A voice for craft

Less than three weeks left to apply for one of three heritage crafts training bursaries of up to £4,000 for former British military personnel whose talent might otherwise be lost to the sector due to the high costs of training and other barriers.

The bursaries are supported by the Royal British Legion, recognising the need for gainful employment utilising a range of practical skills gained through military service, along with the mental wellbeing benefits of such employment.

Applicants are invited to propose training that is tailored to their needs, whether institution-based courses or one-to-one workplace-based training, accredited or non-accredited.

Other bursaries are also currently open for application.

➡️ Apply now via the linktr.ee in our bio or directly at https://heritagecrafts.org.uk/opportunities/training-bursaries/

📅 Deadline: 5pm, Friday 12 June.

📷 2025 recipient Harry Walkeden

#matchMAKER opportunity!

Craft Apprenticeships (x2)

Deadline: 30 June 2026
Location: Berkeley, Gloucestershire

@coxlondon is an art-forward studio crafting furniture, lighting and objects driven by a shared reverence for beauty and nature. By nurturing creativity, fostering curiosity and cultivating empathy, they seek to inspire a future where artistry enriches lives, always pushing the confines of what’s perceived to be possible further and further.

These two apprenticeships are three-year, full-time placements where you earn as you learn. In your foundation year, you will get a 360-degree view of Cox London and Guild Bespoke Metalworks, with hands-on training from warehouse and production to commercial sales and finance, alongside learning ancient crafts. You will also benefit from a Level 3 Diploma in Craft Skills for Creative Industries, awarded by City & Guilds.

At the end of the first year, you will choose one area to specialise in during years two and three. Combining on-the-job, hands-on training with studying, you will engage with mentors, managers, and a close-knit community daily, who will support your journey and provide the guidance and insight you need to thrive.

Find out more including how to apply at https://heritagecrafts.org.uk/matchmaker.

#matchMAKER is the online platform for work-based training and entry-level employment opportunities hosted by @heritagecrafts and supported by @soanebritain.

Less than three weeks left to apply for one of ten training bursaries of up to £4,000 for Black and ethnically diverse trainees in fashion, accessory and jewellery crafts – for those whose talent might otherwise be lost to the fashion sector due to the high costs of training and other barriers.

The bursaries are offered in partnership with the Capri Holdings Foundation for the Advancement of Diversity in Fashion, and highlight a growing imbalance in the fashion sector, where design-focused roles often overshadow the more foundational hand skills (such as pattern cutting, sewing and garment construction) that underpin luxury craftsmanship.

Applicants are invited to propose training that is tailored to their needs, whether institution-based courses or one-to-one workplace-based training, accredited or non-accredited. Successful candidates will receive funding to cover training costs, mentorship opportunities and access to industry networks.

Other bursaries are also currently open for application.

➡️ Apply now via the linktr.ee in our bio or directly at https://heritagecrafts.org.uk/opportunities/training-bursaries/

📅 Deadline: 5pm, Friday 12 June.

📷 2025 recipient Aminat Seriki @s.i.l.e.nt.t by Aisha Seriki

#matchMAKER opportunity!

Trainee Curtain and Blind Maker

Location: Berkeley, Gloucestershire

The Boys Who Sew provide premium soft furnishing services to some of Britain’s best interior designers. They offer an end-to-end experience, which includes measuring, making, and installing, and including curtains, blinds, cushions, tracks and poles and upholstery. They sew for some of the finest public and private properties throughout the land.

The Boys Who Sew are seeking a Trainee Curtain & Blind Maker to join their growing team of soft furnishers at their workroom set in the beautiful Granary in Berkeley Castle Estate in Gloucestershire. The successful candidate will be assisting Curtain Makers with hand-sewing high-end soft furnishings.

Training will be provided. You should have good hand-eye coordination, a solid work ethic, an ability to maintain consistent standards, high levels of attention to detail and a pride in making things.

Find out more including how to apply at https://heritagecrafts.org.uk/matchmaker.

#matchMAKER is the online platform for work-based training and entry-level employment opportunities hosted by @heritagecrafts and supported by @soanebritain.

#matchMAKER opportunity!

Heritage Trainee – Traditional Building Skills

Location: Stratford-upon-Avon
Deadline: 7 June 2026

The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust is looking for a Heritage Trainee (Traditional Building Skills) to join its Conservation Building team. The role is project-funded through support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) and the Michael Bishop Foundation.

As Heritage Trainee you will develop practical skills and foundational knowledge in the conservation, repair and maintenance of historic buildings under supervision from the Conservation Building team.

To be successful in this role, you will be interested in heritage, traditional building crafts, or construction, and willing to learn new skills and follow instruction. You will be able to work safely and use tools responsibly, and be confident working in public-facing environments and outdoors.

Find out more including how to apply at https://heritagecrafts.org.uk/matchmaker.

#matchMAKER is the online platform for work-based training and entry-level employment opportunities hosted by @heritagecrafts and supported by @soanebritain.