Bringing Brickwork to Life: Ibstock Academy at Walsall College

As part of our ongoing collaboration between the Ibstock Academy and Walsall College, members of the Ibstock team delivered two engaging training sessions to construction students- designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application.

Led by Dave Hazard, Technical Advisor, and Ian Downie, Clay Specials Manager, the sessions focused on two specialist areas within our product range: Ecohabitats and Special Shapes. While students gain a strong grounding in core bricklaying skills through their curriculum, these sessions explored what’s possible beyond the basics - highlighting how innovation, design detail, and technical understanding come together in modern construction.

The Ecohabitats element introduced students to the growing role of biodiversity within the built environment. As sustainability and environmental responsibility become central to construction, understanding how integrated habitat features can be designed into brickwork is increasingly important. The sessions demonstrated how these products function, where they are specified, and why they matter in today’s projects.

The focus on Special Shapes gave students insight into the architectural and aesthetic possibilities of brick. Rather than viewing bricks purely as standard units, the sessions showcased how bespoke shapes are used to achieve complex detailing, decorative features, and structural solutions. Students were able to see first-hand how these components contribute to the character and performance of a building.