New Chair of West Yorkshire Consortium of Colleges

THE WEST YORKSHIRE Consortium of Colleges has appointed Nikki Davis, CEO and Principal of Leeds College of Building as its new Chair.

In 2022, Nikki was appointed the first ever female CEO and Principal at Leeds College of Building.

Nikki brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the role and is committed to leading the collaboration of colleges and strive for continuous improvement for FE in West Yorkshire.

Nikki will chair the consortium which consists of the seven principals of the FE Colleges in West Yorkshire. The board meets regularly to agree collaborative opportunities that will increase the skills of the people and businesses of the region. The consortium strives to build capacity, increase accessibility and drive up the quality of learning in West Yorkshire’s colleges and partner organisations.

New Chair

As Chair, Nikki will work closely with the principals and WYCC Director, Joanne Patrickson to influence and support the skills agenda in the region. She will work with key partners, such as the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, chambers of commerce and other partners.

Nikki Davis, CEO and Principal of Leeds College of Building, said: “Collaborating on WYCC projects is essential to tackle regional skills gaps and contribute to economic growth. As Chair, I hope to support even more initiatives promoting training in digital technologies and green skills alongside furthering social mobility and diversity across our regional workforce.” Under the collaboration of the consortium, the colleges have just secured nearly £7m from the Department for Education for the Local Skills Improvement Fund. This funding will be managed by the WYCC across the seven college partners to digitise teaching and learning.

WYCC also delivers on the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Skills Connect project and provides The Green Skills Service for businesses.

WYCC partner colleges are Leeds College of Building, Bradford College, Calderdale College, Kirklees College, Luminate Education Group, Heart of Yorkshire Education Group and Shipley College.

>> Read more about Nikki Davis in the news