The National Federation of Builders (NFB) has appointed Claire Wallbridge as its new Director of Heritage Skills, bringing more than 30 years of experience in construction education, workforce development and heritage skills.
Wallbridge joins the NFB from the Natural Stone Industry Training Group (NSITG), where she was Group Training Manager.
She previously held senior roles at the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), including responsibility for national heritage projects and qualification development.
NFB strengthens heritage skills focus
In her new role, Wallbridge will lead the NFB’s work on heritage construction skills, working with contractors, training providers, heritage organisations and policymakers to support the development of specialist skills needed to maintain historic buildings.
During her career, Wallbridge has worked with government departments, industry bodies and educational organisations to develop qualifications, apprenticeship standards and workforce development programmes for the heritage sector.
Her work has included partnerships with Historic England, Cadw, Historic Environment Scotland, the National Trust, City & Guilds and NOCN.
James Butcher, Deputy CEO at the National Federation of Builders, said: “Claire Wallbridge is a stalwart of heritage construction, with decades of experience developing and championing skills and training at a national level.
“We are delighted to have her join the NFB family as she helps to connect a vast network of heritage movers and shakers. Claire is stepping up to the challenge of providing national leadership in heritage skills and training development when it is needed more than ever. We have no doubt that Claire’s good work will benefit not just our members but the whole of the heritage and traditional build sector.”
Experience across construction training
Before joining the NFB, Wallbridge provided strategic leadership for education and workforce development across the UK’s natural stone industry through her role at NSITG.
She has also been involved in initiatives supporting diversity within specialist construction. Wallbridge founded Women in Natural Stone (W.I.N.S.), which aims to encourage and support women entering careers in specialist construction.
She is a Freeman of the City of London and Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Masons. She has also chaired the Craft & Training Committee and the HRH Duke of Gloucester Awards for Stone Masonry.
Commenting on her appointment, Claire Wallbridge said: “I am delighted to have the opportunity to join the NFB and contribute to its already outstanding commitment to the heritage construction trades and crafts.
“Our ambition is to bring together the many voices involved in heritage skills and training, strengthening coordination, advocacy, and support for the skills our workforce needs now and in the future. There are many dedicated contractors, stakeholders, and sector partners whose knowledge and support will be invaluable as we develop this exciting new initiative together.”
Heritage skills and training
Wallbridge’s appointment comes as the construction sector continues to face challenges around maintaining specialist skills needed for the conservation and repair of historic buildings.
The NFB said she will work with its members and wider industry stakeholders to support the development of heritage construction skills and ensure specialist trades and crafts continue to have an appropriately trained workforce.
