Inspiration in Education nominee – Rob Harrison
Inspiration in Education nominee – Rob Harrison
Rob Harrison has been an integral part of the brickwork team at Stoke-on-Trent College for more than 25 years. After starting his career as a bricklayer in industry, he moved into a teaching position at the college, where he has played a key role in shaping the curriculum and inspiring the thousands of students he has taught.
A passionate advocate for competitions, Rob believes they are one of the best ways to inspire students to aim higher, test themselves against their peers and build confidence for their future careers. He has dedicated countless hours outside of his day job to encouraging Stoke-on-Trent College learners to take part in challenges such as the annual Guild of Bricklayers competition and WorldSkills, widely recognised as the gold standard of further education competitions.
To prepare students, Rob organises an in-house competition each year, introducing learners to the pressures of competition in a supportive environment and identifying those with the talent and drive to progress to regional and national finals.
The results of his mentorship speak for themselves. In 2007, apprentice Jonathan Bourne, then just 21, was selected to represent the UK at the International Skills Competition in Shizuoka, Japan, finishing 10th in the world and earning a Medallion for Excellence under Rob’s guidance. Jonathan has since gone on to become an employer and continues to work with Rob and the college to train the next generation of bricklayers.
Former student Joe Potts said: “When I joined Stoke-on-Trent College on a Level 1 Bricklaying course, Rob had a natural ability to share his knowledge and experience in a way that was easy to understand. He recommended me to an employer and helped me secure an apprenticeship, as well as take part in competitions around the country. I’m now a qualified bricklayer and it wouldn’t have been possible without Rob pushing me to do my best.”
In 2024 Rob was awarded Construction Apprenticeship Tutor of the Year at the prestigious Construction Apprenticeship Awards, which celebrate outstanding achievement across the UK construction apprenticeship sector.
Beyond teaching, Rob has become a leader in his field. He currently serves as Midlands Regional Secretary for the Guild of Bricklayers, coordinating annual regional competitions, and in 2025 was appointed Assistant Manager for WorldSkills UK, preparing candidates from colleges nationwide in timed, high-pressure tests. His role as assessor is a natural extension of his passion for raising standards and nurturing young talent.
Rob is committed to embedding sustainability in construction education. He ensures learners understand the environmental impact of brick production, the value of recycling and the importance of reducing carbon footprints. Whether it’s re-using materials, turning off lights or considering economic and social factors, Rob equips students with the knowledge to improve both their craft and the world they work in.
Rob has promoted Stoke-on-Trent College on national platforms, including appearing in a BBC Inside Out documentary on rogue builders, where his expertise was sought after during extensive filming within the college’s construction department. Rob talked through the bricklaying process and built a wall as a demonstration of best practice.
Rob Harrison has been nominated in the Inspiration in Education category of the Your Heroes Awards.
A college spokesman said: “Rob’s contribution to Stoke-on-Trent College and the bricklaying industry is unique. His long service, consistent innovation and tireless dedication have created opportunities for countless learners to succeed in education, in competitions and in their professional lives.”