Grants and Bursaries for the Training of Craftsmen and Conservators York Foundation for Conservation and Craftsmanship
Applications are invited by the York Foundation for Conservation and Craftsmanship for bursaries to assist the training of craftsmen and conservators. Bursaries of up to UKP1500 each are available to further the knowledge and skills of craftsmen and conservators at various stages of their careers. This can include CPD courses. Bursaries of up to UKP3000 are offered to encourage and assist established craftsmen and conservators to take on a new apprentice/trainee.
The total sum available is UKP11,000, made up of UKP7000 from the Foundation’s own Bursary Fund, and UKP4,000 funded by three organisations which support the Foundation’s aims: the York Company of Merchant Taylors, the Provincial Grand Lodge of the Freemasons, and the Historic Houses Association (Yorkshire Region). While these latter awards are restricted to people with links to York and
Yorkshire (UK), the other awards have no such restriction (though if all other things prove equal, preference will be given to an applicant living, training or employed in the Yorkshire Region).
Applications will be judged on merit and need, and there are no restrictions on who may apply. Employers may apply on behalf of employees. Bursaries will not generally be awarded to assist the funding of a student’s undergraduate degree or equivalent course. In the case of individual applications preference will be given to those seeking advanced skills or training in crafts/specialities in
short supply.
The Trustees are particularly keen to facilitate the taking on of new trainees/apprentices. This would include someone starting out or part way through a three year apprenticeship, or a person not yet
in the trade/profession but who, having had some basic skills training or relevant experience, needs further skills training to qualify. Applications for such bursaries would normally be expected
from the potential employer, and could be used in a variety of ways to reduce the employer’s costs, e.g. those costs related to the introductory training demanded by legal requirements. That should
not preclude applications from employers for other purposes, nor from potential trainees who have identified a committed potential employer.
In 2011 eight awards were made ranging in value from UKP500 to UKP3000. The winners included a roofing contractor, a stonemason, a silversmith, and two MA students in stained glass conservation. A
full list of 2011 and previous year’s winners can be found at www.conservationyork.org.uk
Application forms and Guidance Notes may be obtained from the Secretary of the Foundation by email to conservationyork [at] hotmail__com
or by post:
The Merchant Adventurers’ Hall
Fossgate
York YO1 9XD
UK
The closing date for receipt of applications is Saturday 31 March 2012.