Celebrating the First Graduates of Ibstock Academy

26 June 2026

Students from the first cohort at Ibstock Academy graduated on 9th June 2026, marking an important milestone for the Partner a College pilot programme delivered in partnership with Walsall College and the Home Builders Federation (HBF).

Designed to enhance the students' Full Time Level Two Bricklaying experience, the Academy focused on complementing quality and technical skills, alongside the wider industry knowledge needed to take the next step towards employment within the construction sector.

Over the past year, students have taken part in a range of additional learning experiences to broaden their understanding of the industry and strengthen their employability. Activity included visits to the local Atlas brick factory to understand where materials are made, alongside masterclasses focused on technical skills, quality and brick specials. Ibstock colleagues also supported sessions on practical knowledge, behaviours and expectations to help prepare students for their transition into employment.

Reflecting on the programme, Helen Bradley, Quality Manager, said: “By working with the students we got to see first hand their eagerness to learn and their commitment to developing their skills. We hope the experiences we’ve provided will enhance students’ employability in the future.”

Mark Pemberton, Director of Curriculum Technical at Walsall College, thanked Ibstock and HBF for bringing the Partner a College programme to the college. “This partnership has given our students opportunities they would not usually experience at this stage in their development. They have broadened their product knowledge and understanding of quality, supporting their performance, results and professionalism, and it was great to see them celebrating their achievements with real confidence in their next steps.”

The partnership with Walsall College benefited from strong collaboration across the home building industry. Keon Homes supported the delivery of construction site visits, as well as soft skills training.

Students have also been able to connect directly with individuals in the industry to build their understanding of the sector, including Jake Moore of Moore Masonry Services. Jake said, “The Ibstock Academy have done a really good job in cementing the basics into the students getting them ready for site,” highlighting the strength of the foundations being built through the programme.

Thanks to additional CITB funding, further Health and Safety training was delivered through RG Wilbrey, enabling some students to obtain a CSCS card.

The success of the first Ibstock Academy cohort was celebrated in a graduation ceremony attended by students, college staff, local employers and industry partners.

Cheryl Brown, Head of Corporate Affairs and Social Impact at Ibstock plc, said: “We are delighted with how our first academic year has gone at Walsall College, a great example of how education and industry can work together to build the skills and talent our sector needs for the future. In our first year alone, we have gained valuable insights that will inform a formal evaluation of the programme, and we look forward to building on this as we enter the second year of the pilot.”

Some students have already taken their next step, either progressing into further construction courses or moving into more site specific bricklaying training. One student shared, “The advice we’ve been given has made us more confident to apply for jobs,” reflecting the positive impact the Academy is having on future employment opportunities.

The impact of the Ibstock Academy demonstrates the value of HBF’s Partner a College programme, funded by CITB, which brings home builders and further education colleges together to help ensure students develop the practical, job ready skills needed by the industry. By aligning college training with real world site requirements, the programme is helping to build a stronger pipeline of skilled talent for the home building sector.

We are proud of what has been achieved so far and, through initiatives like this, remain committed to building the skills our business and industry need for the future.

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