James Rix has dedicated over 30 years to the wood trades, beginning his career at just 19 when he founded his own cabinet‑making business with support from The Prince’s Trust. His early work focused on crafting bespoke cabinets and furniture, reflecting a deep passion for precision, craftsmanship, and high‑quality workmanship.

A change in location later steered James toward site carpentry, where he immersed himself in the construction industry. He gained extensive experience across first and second fix carpentry, contributing to a wide range of projects and further strengthening his practical expertise.

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James’s transition into teaching began unexpectedly. After being invited by a local voluntary organisation to lead a Saturday morning woodworking class for young people, he discovered a genuine enthusiasm for sharing knowledge and nurturing new talent. This experience sparked a new direction in his career, leading him into lecturing while continuing to maintain active involvement in the industry.

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Over the past 13 years, James has worked with more than 30 colleges across the UK in roles including Lecturer, Curriculum Coordinator, and Course Manager. His broad experience has given him a deep understanding of curriculum design, teaching methods, and the importance of delivering high‑quality learning experiences. He champions varied learning approaches, inclusivity, and effective differentiation to meet the diverse needs of learners entering the construction sector.

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Recognising a shortage of experienced lecturers and a lack of accessible, high‑quality resources for tradespeople transitioning into teaching, James took the initiative to develop a dedicated support website for educators. His platform aims to strengthen professional development, enhance teaching practice, and ultimately contribute to the industry by helping produce highly skilled, confident tradespeople.