Training bursaries for craftspeople
Training bursaries of up to £4,000 are available for new entrants and early-career UK craftspeople facing financial hardship.
Funding to help you start or advance training in heritage crafts
Heritage Crafts is offering training bursaries of up to £4,000 to new entrants and early-career UK craftspeople facing financial hardship. These bursaries support hand skills training in heritage crafts to build a successful career. See the list of eligible crafts.
Of the 31 bursaries offered, ten are allocated for Black and ethnically diverse trainees in fashion, and four for British military veterans. The remaining 17 bursaries are available to any craftsperson in the UK experiencing financial need with a strong training plan.
You can apply if you:
- are new to crafts but committed to a career and need basic hand skills
- work in crafts but lack skills to sell your work
- need new or different hand skills to grow your craft business
Bursaries of up to £4,000 can be used towards:
- apprenticeships with craft experts
- specialist courses (accredited or not)
- self-training with one or more craftspeople
- cost of tools, materials, travel or accommodation (no more than 30% of total budget)
You cannot use the bursary to cover living expenses, trainee salaries, exhibitions, research or promotional activity.
How to apply
Before applying, take time to read through the application questions and frequently asked questions on the Heritage Crafts website.
You can apply by completing an online form, or sending a video or audio application (up to 15 minutes long) to rae@heritagecrafts.org.uk.
The deadline for applications is 5pm on Friday 12 June 2026.
For more information, watch a recording of the Heritage Crafts Q&A session on grants, awards and bursaries.
First published 22 April 2026