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© Ibstock Plc. 2026
Building Skills, Sharing Experience
11 August 2026
As part of our ongoing focus on skills, we're shining a spotlight on colleagues who are helping develop the next generation of talent while developing their own new skills.
One of those colleagues is Helen Bradley, Quality Assurance Manager for the Ibstock Group. In Helen’s day job, she works closely with our customers and contractors to investigate technical and quality-related enquiries on construction sites. Helen's role gives her first-hand insight into the practical challenges faced on site and the importance of getting things right first time.
Earlier this year, Helen shared that experience with students through a series of technical and quality masterclasses at both our Ibstock Academy pilot at Walsall College and the NHBC skills hub in Lichfield, helping the students understand some of the real-world situations they are likely to encounter as they begin their careers in construction.
Reflecting on the experience, Helen said: "I feel one of the biggest differences we made was giving the students exposure to real-world industry knowledge that isn't typically covered in their standard course. Through the technical and quality masterclasses, we helped them understand the practical challenges, expectations and standards they will encounter when they enter the workplace."
While the sessions were designed to support students, Helen says the experience has also helped her own development and said "The first one was quite nerve-wracking, but I feel proud to have been involved in the programme. It has been a really rewarding experience. Receiving such positive feedback has given me greater confidence in my own abilities to present, communicate and share my knowledge with others. I am looking forward to continuing to support the sector skills programmes and helping future students as they prepare to enter the industry."
Helen's story highlights the value of skills programmes not only for those entering the sector, but also for the experienced professionals who step forward to share their knowledge and inspire the next generation. Thank you Helen.
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