Caxton Academy Sponsors, IG Masonry Support share Insights with bricklayer apprentices
Our first and second-year bricklayer apprentices at Caxton Academy recently had the opportunity to visit three Midlands-based manufacturing facilities, thanks to our valued sponsor, IG Masonry Support. The day was organised by Keith Hanson, Technical Sales Manager, who generously guided us through an inspiring and educational experience.
Educating the next generation
The visit took our apprentices behind the scenes at IG’s advanced lintel manufacturing plant, their windpost and masonry support facility, and their brick cutting and bonding factory. The aim? To show the next generation of bricklayers exactly what goes into the products they use every day on site.
Before the tour began, the IG team delivered a presentation to give apprentices an overview of the company’s product range and innovative design capabilities. This introduction helped lay the foundation for what they would see in action throughout the day.
Highlights of the visit included:
- A full factory tour of the lintel production line
- A deep dive into brick cutting, special shapes, and bonding techniques
- A demonstration of how IG recycles waste to manufacture sustainable masonry support products
- Watching a state-of-the-art laser-cutting robot in action
- Meeting the technical design team to understand how product designs are developed
Bricklayer apprentice, Brandon Bates said, “I learnt how different types of products used in brickwork are made; different bond patterns are incorporated, into structural pieces like arches. How their lintels are created, and that standard lintels are becoming out of specification over the next 5-10 years as they help in thermal bridging and reducing the U value. It really was an inspiring experience, hearing about different case studies of their products being used on our projects in Nottingham, and future projects in London”.
Innovation and technology
This field trip gave our apprentices a real-world perspective on the effort, design innovation, and technology behind the products they handle on site. Understanding the origin and technical detail of these components will help them become more informed and capable tradespeople in the future.
A huge thank you to Keith and everyone at IG Masonry Support for your continued support and for giving our students such a valuable learning experience.
Find out more about our bricklayer apprenticeship courses.
