Nikki Davis

Principal & CEO, Leeds College of Building

Construction is a varied, dynamic and broad sector with so many opportunities.

Why I chose to attend Leeds Trinity and my best memories 

I applied to Leeds Trinity University and another institution when I decided I wanted to train as a teacher. I had heard that both my choices had a good reputation, but Leeds Trinity was my preferred choice because it was smaller and had a really friendly atmosphere when visiting the campus. 

What I enjoyed most about my course

I loved the practical application side to it. Other trainee teachers were writing essays on theories of pedagogy, whilst I was writing schemes of work, lesson plans etc, which I could then discuss. It gave me tools which were immediately useful in the classroom, rather than a lot of theory or academic research. That has its place, but at the time, going into a classroom with very little experience, I wanted things to help. 

Valuable placements

My first placement was at Park Lane College (now Leeds City College) with my second at Cardinal Heenan Catholic High School. Whilst I enjoyed the school placement, and did learn some valuable knowledge around curriculum and working with younger children, it was the placement at Park Lane College which I absolutely loved. I was given some classes of business to teach, and this then expanded to travel and tourism and key skills. It gave me practical hands on experience, and was really supported by both Park Lane College and Leeds Trinity. I think I was the only one in my group who had a placement in a Further Education College.

The difference with the students and the way you interacted with them, on a more mature level was something I really enjoyed, and without having been given this opportunity, I may have decided teaching wasn't for me.

Leaving University with new skills

I left with the ability to think on my feet and work well under pressure. This came from being out of my comfort zone, but knowing I had support too. I think I had some of those skills from working in hospitality for years, but this developed them in a different way, and tested them in ways only young adults can. I also left knowing the value of support from others and actively seeking out help, rather than waiting for it to be offered. 

My career since graduating

I love my job and have been really lucky that I have enjoyed every job I have had in teaching. I started my career at Calderdale College, before moving to Park Lane College, then Kirklees College, York College and now Leeds College of Building.

I have had fantastic mentors and managers over the years, who have supported my development. Alongside that, I completed my Masters in Education (14-19) which reinforced some of the theory from my PGCE.

The highlights from my current role, has always been the same highlight - the people. People who work in further education do it for many reasons, but one thing is pretty common. They want to support young people to progress in their careers, and give some of the knowledge and skills they have learnt in their career to young people starting out. FE Colleges do phenomenal work with young people from all backgrounds, but the ability of a teacher to change a young persons view of themselves in a positive way shouldn't be underestimated.

For some, the role model of a teacher at College provides the light bulb moment of knowing the career route a young person wants to take. At Leeds College of Building, we are so lucky to have highly qualified and experienced teachers, who have all worked in construction, and are now sharing their skills and expertise, to support others development. 

My advice to prospective students undertaking construction/built environment courses

I would definitely encourage them to do it. Construction is a varied, dynamic and broad sector with so many opportunities. If you want to study law, why not construction law? Or if you have digital skills, why not apply them in Building Information Modelling (BIM)?

The future of construction is also heavily focused on sustainability, so for anyone interested in this area, the best place to do it would be in construction. People have a misconception about construction and what it is. The construction sector needs highly skilled trade and professional people to meet significant demand. Roles as bricklayers, joiners, electricians are going to be fundamental to the UK achieving Net Zero - it doesn't get much more important than that.