Forterra supports the next generation of bricklayers with donation of London Bricks to Hertford Regional College

Leading building products manufacturer Forterra has donated materials to Hertford Regional College for use by students and apprentices on bricklaying courses.

10 packs of the iconic London Brick (totalling 4,000 bricks) were delivered to the college campus in Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, earlier this month, where they have been stored ready for the students’ return after lockdown.

“We’ve had great engagement on our online courses throughout the pandemic,” said Jack Dawson, Bricklaying Lecturer at the college. “As soon as we’re able to safely open again, our apprentices and students will be going into practical assessments and will be using the materials donated by Forterra to learn the physical side to bricklaying.”

With two large workshops with state-of-the-art facilities, Hertford Regional College has been selected by the Association of Brickwork Contractors as a centre of Outstanding Practice.

Jack continued: “We’re so pleased to be working with Forterra and especially to be working with the London Brick product. It’s easier to cut than other bricks, making it an ideal product for learners and trainees. Introducing London Brick to our training materials will enhance the learning experience for a lot of our students.”

“It’s really important to us to support the next generation of bricklayers,” said Stephen Harrison, Chief Executive of Forterra. “We are delighted to support Hertford Regional College, providing them with vital materials for their training and development.”

London Brick has been in continuous production since 1877. Used in the construction of almost a quarter of England’s housing stock, it has become an icon of the British built landscape. Today, it is produced primarily for the residential renovation, maintenance and improvement market where its range of 23 London bricks – available in a variety of colours and textures – help to simplify the challenge of brick matching.

London Brick is known for its distinctive ‘frog’ feature, which, as well as making it easier to handle and cut, ensures the brick hardens evenly during the firing process.