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Ibstock Academy Welcomes Second Cohort at Walsall College
18 September 2026
The Ibstock Academy has officially begun its second year at Walsall College, with a new cohort of bricklaying students taking part in their first Academy intervention.
The Academy remains a pilot programme, created to help bridge the gap between education and employment by providing students with additional industry insight, practical experiences and employability support alongside their studies. Following a successful first year, the programme team spent the summer reviewing feedback and outcomes to identify what worked well, areas for improvement and new opportunities to enhance the experience for future students.
As part of their welcome session, students learned more about Ibstock, the objectives of the Academy and the wider opportunities available within the construction sector. They also heard from a range of colleagues representing different areas of the business. Learning and Development Business Partner Leanne Elverson shared insights into personal development and career growth, apprentice Luke Panton spoke about his own career journey and experiences, while Head of Sustainability Emily Landsborough highlighted the important role sustainability plays in shaping the future of construction.
The Academy remains a pilot programme, created to help bridge the gap between education and employment by providing students with additional industry insight, practical experiences and employability support alongside their studies. Following a successful first year, the programme team spent the summer reviewing feedback and outcomes to identify what worked well, areas for improvement and new opportunities to enhance the experience for future students.
As part of their welcome session, students learned more about Ibstock, the objectives of the Academy and the wider opportunities available within the construction sector. They also heard from a range of colleagues representing different areas of the business. Learning and Development Business Partner Leanne Elverson shared insights into personal development and career growth, apprentice Luke Panton spoke about his own career journey and experiences, while Head of Sustainability Emily Landsborough highlighted the important role sustainability plays in shaping the future of construction.
Students then took part in a practical brick-making activity, creating their own clay bricks by hand. The session provided an opportunity to experience the traditional craft that underpins the industry and gain a deeper appreciation of the materials and skills involved in brick production.
Their finished bricks will be fired and presented back to them during their next Academy intervention, which includes a visit to Ibstock's Atlas factory in October. There, students will see how technological innovation has transformed brickmaking, giving them a unique opportunity to experience both the traditional and modern sides of the industry.
The enthusiasm shown by the students throughout the day was encouraging. They approached the activities with curiosity, professionalism and a willingness to participate, creating a positive start to the year.
Over the coming months, the Academy will continue to draw on expertise from across Ibstock and industry partners to deliver a series of interventions designed to strengthen students' understanding of the sector, develop key employability skills and support their transition into future careers.
By continuing to test, learn and evolve the pilot programme, Ibstock hopes to play a meaningful role in developing future construction talent and supporting efforts to address the industry's skills gap.
Their finished bricks will be fired and presented back to them during their next Academy intervention, which includes a visit to Ibstock's Atlas factory in October. There, students will see how technological innovation has transformed brickmaking, giving them a unique opportunity to experience both the traditional and modern sides of the industry.
The enthusiasm shown by the students throughout the day was encouraging. They approached the activities with curiosity, professionalism and a willingness to participate, creating a positive start to the year.
Over the coming months, the Academy will continue to draw on expertise from across Ibstock and industry partners to deliver a series of interventions designed to strengthen students' understanding of the sector, develop key employability skills and support their transition into future careers.
By continuing to test, learn and evolve the pilot programme, Ibstock hopes to play a meaningful role in developing future construction talent and supporting efforts to address the industry's skills gap.
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