Building products manufacturer Ibstock has launched a pilot training academy at Walsall College.
Ibstock Academy was recently unveiled during a launch event at Walsall College’s Green Lane Campus.
The event was attended by students, educators, and representatives from across the industry, including Keon Homes, West Midlands Combined Authority, Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), and the Home Builders Federation (HBF).
The new academy has been launched as part of HBF’s Partner a College programme.
Funded by CITB, Partner a College is a two-year pilot programme that aims to better align vocational education with workforce needs.
Ibstock Academy will initially support bricklaying students with practical, job-ready training that aims to reflect the latest standards and safety expectations across the industry.
Addressing skills challenges
Jo Hodge, HR, sustainability and social impact director at Ibstock, said: “We recognise that skills are one of the biggest challenges facing the sector, and we are committed to playing our part.
“The Ibstock Academy will bring business and education together to support students in their development. We are committed to bring industry insights and reinforce on-site safety and quality in their full-time training to help students build meaningful careers in construction.
“Walsall is a strategically important location for us, and we’re proud to invest in its future.”
Cheryl Brown, head of corporate affairs and social impact at Ibstock, added: “We’re proud to have been the first UK building materials manufacturer to launch an academy under the HBF’s Partner a College programme.
“This initiative allows us to go beyond manufacturing and actively support the development of practical, job-ready skills in our sector. By working directly with educators and local communities, we’re helping to build a more inclusive and resilient workforce.”
Best practice model
Ibstock Academy is the first pilot of its kind for Ibstock and will serve as a blueprint for future partnerships between manufacturers and colleges across the UK.
Steve Turner, executive director at HBF, said: “The Ibstock Academy at Walsall College is a strong example of how the Partner a College programme is driving meaningful industry investment into further education and construction training.
“The academy will offer valuable insights that can shape a best practice model for collaboration between industry and education providers for all the partners on the Partner a College programme.
“Initiatives like this are essential, not only to equip students with real-world skills and support them into construction careers, but also to build a workforce capable of meeting the government’s housing targets.”
