The National Federation of Builders (NFB) has announced the appointment of Claire Wallbridge PGCE as its new Director of Heritage Skills.
A highly respected figure within the heritage construction sector, Claire brings more than three decades of experience in education, workforce development, and strategic partnership building. Her appointment further strengthens the NFB’s commitment to the heritage sector.
Throughout her career, Claire has worked nationally with government departments, industry bodies, professional organisations, and educational institutions to develop qualifications, apprenticeship standards and skills programmes that support the conservation and maintenance of Britain’s heritage assets.
Before joining the NFB, Claire served as Group Training Manager at the Natural Stone Industry Training Group (NSITG), where she provided strategic leadership for education and workforce development across the UK’s natural stone industry. Prior to this, she held senior leadership roles at the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), leading national heritage projects and developing qualifications.
Claire has worked closely with organisations including Historic England, Cadw, Historic Environment Scotland, the National Trust, City & Guilds and NOCN, helping to shape qualifications, professional development programmes, and national skills initiatives.
Claire founded Women in Natural Stone (W.I.N.S.), an initiative dedicated to encouraging and supporting women entering specialist construction careers. A Freeman of the City of London and Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Masons, Claire has also chaired both the Craft & Training Committee and the HRH Duke of Gloucester Awards for Stone Masonry, further demonstrating her longstanding commitment to excellence in traditional craft skills.
Deputy CEO at the National Federation of Builders, James Butcher 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.”
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.”
In her role as Director of Heritage Skills, Claire will lead the NFB’s work to support the development of heritage construction skills across the sector, working with members, training providers, heritage organisations, and policymakers to ensure the specialist skills needed to care for historic buildings continue to thrive.
