Robert Smith Memorial Scholarship

Robert Smith Memorial Scholarship

You get financial support to train or work in the traditional building trades, meaning classic hands-on crafts such as carpentry, masonry and historic construction work. The exact amount is not published. One scholarship is awarded each round, but this number can rise if more money is available. The award comes from two long-standing Philadelphia organisations: the Carpenters' Company of Philadelphia and the St. Andrew's Society of Philadelphia. It honours Robert Smith (1722-1777), a Scottish-born master builder who shaped much of colonial American architecture, including Carpenters' Hall itself.

Who can apply

• What you do: You are training for, or starting a career in, the traditional building trades, meaning skilled construction crafts such as carpentry or masonry.
• Your field: Your focus is building crafts. Unrelated subjects do not qualify.
• How you get in: You apply directly yourself, or a school or vocational training programme nominates you.

How to apply

You can apply directly, or a training institution can nominate you. Places are decided through a competitive selection.

How realistic are your chances?

This award is cut very narrowly. It targets people going into the traditional building trades, so the pool of eligible applicants is small compared with open scholarships. Only one place is usually offered, which keeps competition tight. A clear craft background helps your case, and a strong training record or a nomination from your programme gives you a real edge.