ENDEAVOUR AWARDS
The Endeavour Awards open doors for young people from the UK and Australia to gain life-changing experiences through study and placements in each other’s countries - opportunities they would not otherwise have. At their heart, these awards are about developing skills, building confidence, and helping shape futures.
Within the programme, the Endeavour Heritage Awards support emerging artists and conservators to undertake specialist training in traditional crafts and conservation - fields where skills are rare, and often at risk of being lost. In contrast, the Endeavour Career Skills Awards, launched in 2023, provide hands-on placements in industries where practical experience is essential but often difficult to access, from thoroughbred racing to viticulture and winemaking. Together, these awards ensure that both heritage skills and modern career pathways are not only preserved, but passed on to the next generation.
Here are some of the journeys your support has made possible:
ENDEAVOUR AWARD WINNERS
Endeavour Heritage Award (Australia to UK)
Rick De La Espriella
BA Conservation: Stone, Wood & Decorative Surfaces
Rick started his career maintaining electrical systems on Melbourne’s rail network, until he discovered a deeper passion for working with materials, craft and history. With the support of a BASET Award, he was able to move to London to study at the City & Guilds of London Art School - an opportunity that would otherwise have been out of reach.
“To study in London has been transformative and pushed me to a level of growth that would not have been possible elsewhere. Without the support of BASET I would not be where I am today.”
Now in his third year, Rick is gaining hands-on experience restoring historic objects, including work on Rochester Cathedral and Bradford Cathedral, and is developing a specialist skillset that will shape his future career.
Endeavour Career Skills Award (UK to Australia)
Natasha Rompante
Oenology and Viticulture placement
Natasha’s experience highlights the impact of BASET’s Endeavour Career Skills Awards. As a viticulture student at Plumpton College, she spent four weeks in Australia’s Hunter Valley gaining hands-on experience at Hungerford Hill - an opportunity that would not otherwise have been possible.Immersed in the fast-paced environment of a working winery, Natasha developed practical skills and gained insight into innovative techniques that will be increasingly valuable as the UK wine industry continues to grow.
“Thank you to all of the donors. I could never have done it without them."
The experience has broadened her perspective, strengthened her confidence, and opened doors to future opportunities within the industry.
Endeavour Career Skills Award (Australia to UK)
Courtney Foale
Thoroughbred placement
Courtney travelled from Australia to the UK to gain hands on experience in British racing.
She began with training at the British Racing School before undertaking a placement at James Fanshawe Racing in Newmarket, where she worked full time in the stables, riding gallops, schooling horses in the stalls and leading horses up at race meetings across the UK.
"I would not have been able to experience this opportunity without the Endeavour Career Skills Award, and I’m forever grateful for it."
The experience helped build her riding ability, confidence and understanding of the British racing industry.
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