‘‘As a member of the Diversity & Inclusion working group, I have seen first-hand the genuine commitment Ibstock & its employees have to creating a safe & inclusive working environment. In our recent projects, we've supported free sanitary products in women's bathrooms, improved welfare facilities, and promoted education on various topics like menopause, PRIDE, hidden disabilities, and men's health. I'm proud of the positive impact we're making at Ibstock, fostering belonging."

‘‘At first I was hesitant to work not only in the construction industry, but directly on a factory floor, especially as the only female. But any negative perceptions I had were born out of ignorance, and my fears were quickly left behind.”

Tom joined Ibstock Brick in September 2014 on our Trainee Management Programme, previously known as Ibstock Brick's Apprenticeship scheme, as a mature Technical apprentice initially based at the Dorket Head factory. Tom won the company "Apprentice of the Year" award that year. Having transferred to Leicester's Eclipse Factory as part of the project team in 2016, Tom has gone on to be promoted to Technical Manager in 2017 and to Factory Manager in 2021.

"What makes me proud to work at Ibstock is the way the business welcomes and respects diversity and difference. The leadership teams respect people with different views and ideas, it also offers loads of opportunities to develop different skills."

“My dad has been working on the Ibstock Brick production line for more than 15 years and I always saw how passionate he was about his job and the company he works for. So, when it came to deciding between university and a trainee programme, I knew I wanted to follow in his footsteps. Choosing Ibstock Brick's Management Trainee Programme meant that I could make the most out of practical and theoretical study. Ibstock really values us and our education. We've been able to enjoy hands on experience with production managers, while also having the opportunity to study at the University of Derby and gain theoretical qualifications that put us on the path towards becoming part of the team.”