Star of the Month, Ivan Sharpe – Building Futures at Caxton Academy
Building Futures at Caxton Academy
This month, we are proud to shine the spotlight on Ivan Sharpe, our Apprenticeship Manager at Caxton Academy. Ivan leads with passion, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to developing the next generation of skilled tradespeople.
As one of the driving forces behind Caxton Academy, Ivan has built a thriving training community in partnership with training provider Salutem. Together, they have created a learning environment dedicated not only to developing trade expertise but also to nurturing life and personal skills that support long-term success.
Going above and beyond
Andy Townshend, Construction Director, Caxton Builders said: “As a dedicated trainer of our apprentices, Ivan consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that the next generation of bricklayers is equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. He has a unique ability to connect with apprentices, creating a supportive and engaging learning environment.
Beyond technical skills, he instils important values such as teamwork, safety, and integrity. Ivan is not just a trainer; he is a mentor and a role model. Many apprentices credit him with helping them realise their potential and guiding them through challenges in their early careers. It’s easy to overlook the impact of training, but Ivan plays a vital role in shaping the future of our company and the industry as a whole. We are incredibly fortunate and proud to have him on our team, and I wholeheartedly applaud his unwavering dedication.”
A Mentor Who Inspires
Ivan’s impact is best captured through the words of those he teaches. Lizzie Allingham, a second-year apprentice, said: “Ivan Sharpe is an amazing tutor for myself and all the other apprentices through our qualification with Caxton Builders. I can’t commend him enough on his patience and skill to teach everyone the ins and outs of bricklaying. He is very knowledgeable and I have learnt a lot from him over the time I have spent with Caxton. If Ivan continues to teach the new and upcoming bricklayers, the future looks bright for the construction industry.”
A New Standard in Apprenticeships
The Bricklayer Apprenticeship course in partnership with Salutem training provider reflects Ivan’s innovative approach to vocational training. The programme blends technical skill-building with personal development, ensuring apprentices leave fully prepared for the demands of modern construction.
Apprentices master everything from brick and blockwork to decorative features, while also learning essential topics like health and safety, energy efficiency, and communication skills. Ivan delivers our six-week block learning model, a concept that sets Caxton apart from traditional day-release apprenticeships.
Each course offers:
• Intensive, six-week learning blocks for rapid skill development
• Small class sizes (6–10 apprentices) for one-to-one support
• Practical, hands-on training reinforced with classroom learning
• A third, optional development year, taken by 95% of apprentices, to ensure readiness for site work
Read more about how our courses stand out in the industry.
Thank you, Ivan, for being a true champion of our apprentices and a cornerstone of our company’s success and values.
