Our presenters

Hello, my name is Iain Lewis and i am the Training Academy Manager at the Build Better Academy, East Leake. I have been in the construction industry for 18 years, originally undertaking a level 3 advanced apprenticeship in site joinery before working for myself where i partook in all aspects of builds needed. i have used my trade and knowledge around the world whilst travelling so have experienced numerous methods and skills of application and installation with the industry worldwide and have bought this knowledge and skillset home with me. In 2015 i moved from a practical role in to an education and assessing role at a local college before joining British Gypsum in 2017 as a Technical Support Representative (now Interior Solutions Trainer). since moving to British Gypsum i have now moved in to a managerial role with the Training academies.

James has worked for British Gypsum for over 25 years, rising through the business from a trainee to a position of serious authority in our company and, by extension, the construction industry. Joining as a Trainee Instructor in 1996, he progressed to Instructor and Senior Technical Support Rep before his leadership and management skills and his experience in our academies saw him earn the position of Head of Training Academies in 2021.

As Head of Training Academies, James has a huge amount of responsibility. His leadership skills, honed through his many years at British Gypsum and his ILM Diploma Level 5 in Leadership and Management mean he’s able to oversee the design, creation and delivery of our digital and face-to-face training through our national Training Academy Team.

This work requires James to meet the needs of various stakeholders across the interiors sector, including new entrants, existing installers, site management and supervisory staff and our own product and systems stockists. Different roles and experience levels require different types of training, and so James’ expertise is crucial in ensuring our training offering is always relevant, useful and effective. Further to our training provisions, James is responsible for the development of our industry-leading training resources and our installer-focused collateral.

Build Better Centre Manager