Former North East teacher takes on the builders at new firm
Becky Willis had become fed up with punishing paperwork and the behaviour of pupils while teaching at primary schools across the North East.
The 31-year-old decided to say goodbye to lesson plans and hello to building sites, joining booming building firm Tyneside Home Improvements (THI) in 2023.
Since then, Becky has gone from strength to strength and is thriving in the male-dominated industry, where she is involved in all aspects of the business.
Amid her work helping to improve mental health and mentoring younger employees, she was this summer nominated for Degree Apprentice of the Year at the North East Apprenticeship Awards.
Becky said: “My decision to join THI has completely transformed my life, and I haven’t looked back.
“I was passionate about teaching, and I did love it, but it had got to the point where I had no work-life balance.
“I was working six days a week, sometimes more.
“I only really had Saturday off, and even then, I couldn’t switch off.
“Before teaching in the UK, I spent five years working at international schools in the Middle East.
“Returning home was a huge culture shock. I found the kids weren’t as interested in learning, and I was working much harder, for less money.
“I was also doing supply teaching, and I didn’t like the instability.
“Many of my skills have been transferable, as I have spent time working closely with young apprentices.
“It’s rewarding to witness their growth and development. But I now have much more free time.
“I have the weekend and evenings completely to myself, which is wonderful.
“I do get the odd out of hours call, but it’s a rarity and I don’t mind, because I am so invested in the company and my role.”
THI, which until recently was based in Jarrow but has now moved to Windynook in Gateshead, was founded 18 years ago by Kevin Kerr, who then worked from his kitchen table and had just one member of staff.
The company is now recognised as an industry leader, and has built its reputation on the installation of impressive conservatories, orangeries and garage conversions.
It operates across a large area which takes in Northumberland, Tyne & Wear, Durham, Stockton and Teesside.
This year, the firm won Best Heritage Installer in the national Glass & Glazing Installer Awards 2025.
Becky was unsure of her next career move when she spent a few days helping out in the office of THI, where her partner works as a plasterer, after leaving the teaching profession for good.
While chatting to commercial director Chris Green, he suggested Becky consider undertaking an apprenticeship with THI, enabling her to work and study at the same time.
She is now in the process of completing a degree apprenticeship in human resource management, with a focus on learning development.
Becky is writing her dissertation on the challenges apprentices face in the workplace, and hopes to make improvements to the scheme at THI as a result of her research.
She added: “I was a bit reluctant as first, as I had been out of formal education for so long.
“I just thought, how am I going to do all of this?
“But I’ve really surprised myself with how well I’ve done.
“I’ve taken it a bit more seriously, second time round, and being able to work as I learn has definitely made that experience so much better.
“During my research, I have found that there can be a lack of communication between the employer and the education provider.
“The college often assume topics get covered in the workplace, and vice versa.
“I am going to make sure that doesn’t happen at THI.”
Becky’s job title is human resource business partner, but her role is all-encompassing, involving updating and implementing policies and introducing strategies to reduce accidents in THI’s fleet of vans, which she is now in charge of.
More recently, Becky became a qualified mental health first aider, and is on hand to talk to staff about any emotional problems they might be experiencing.
She said: “Given we are a construction company, I didn’t think that many people would actually come and speak to me.
“There is a stigma among blokes, when it comes to mental health and so I was surprised how many employees have wanted to chat.
“It can be emotional, hearing what other people are going through, but it can be very rewarding to know I have helped.
“I have an open door policy, meaning staff can come and talk to me whenever they like.
“Mental health is extremely important in the workplace, and it’s definitely a priority for THI.”
Becky is one of six women to work for THI out of a total of 28 staff.
However, on top of that, the firm employs around 40 to 50 male contractors.
She said: “It is a very male-dominated environment, and I won’t lie, it took some getting used to at first.
“Coming from teaching, which is predominantly female, and where nobody swears, and then entering the other end of the scale, was a little intimidating.
“But overall everyone has been really welcoming, even though it can be quite sweary at times.
“If I am uncomfortable with anything, I just speak my mind, and I like to think I am respected for that.”
Commercial director Chris Green said: “Mentoring Becky has been a real privilege.
“Her drive, curiosity, and commitment to making a difference have been remarkable.
“In just two years, she’s helped shape a stronger, safer, and more people-focused business.
“Becky’s achievements reflect not only her capability but her genuine passion for improving the industry.
“The teaching profession’s loss is definitely our gain.”