Leeds College Lecturer Honoured with National Teaching Award

Local brickwork tutor recognised for excellence in vocational education

Wayne Richardson, a brickwork lecturer at Leeds College of Building (LCB), has been named among the UK’s outstanding vocational educators by The City & Guilds Foundation. He is one of just 19 tutors and trainers across the country to receive the 2025 City & Guilds Foundation Membership Award, which celebrates excellence, innovation, and dedication in vocational teaching.

Rigorous selection process highlights impact

The Membership Awards, launched in 2024, aim to acknowledge individuals who make a significant difference in vocational education. Nominations for the 2025 awards opened in May and involved a two-stage judging process. Wayne Richardson was nominated by his manager and LCB Curriculum Manager Damien Mason-Harding, who emphasised the thorough nature of the nomination.

Damien Mason-Harding said: “The nomination process was in-depth. Senior managers, learners, and colleagues all contributed, providing extensive evidence of Wayne’s achievements over the past year. It wasn’t just ticking boxes – it was a detailed look at the difference Wayne makes around the college.”

Commitment to students and the trade

According to his manager, Wayne’s dedication to supporting learners and his passion for bricklaying have a positive impact on both students and the wider department. Damien added: “Wayne isn’t just teaching bricklaying – he’s helping shape the kind of students and future workers we’re proud to send out into the industry.”

Wayne Richardson himself expressed gratitude for the recognition, saying: “At the end of the day, I try to give the learners the best I can, so it means a lot. I’ve also got to give a big thank-you to Damien, he’s always supported me and given me the confidence and freedom to do what’s right for our learners.”

He described teaching as a privilege, highlighting the satisfaction of watching students develop their skills from beginners to confident tradespeople: “Seeing them develop – from not knowing one end of a trowel to building proper work with real pride – is what keeps me going.”

National recognition for vocational educators

Dame Ann Limb, Chair of the City & Guilds Foundation, commented on the award recipients: “I couldn’t be prouder of this year’s Membership Award recipients. These tutors and trainers are the heart of our skills system; they change lives and inspire others every day. The Membership Awards are our way of recognising and celebrating their incredible expertise and the lasting impact they make on the people, organisations and the communities around them.”

The award winners, including Wayne Richardson, will be formally honoured at a ceremony at Mansion House in London in March 2026.