Driven by a genuine love of his trade, Davin Nicholas is proud to pass on his skills and knowledge to the next generation of painting and decorating apprentices at TAFE Gippsland.
Passionate about traditional decorating finishes and wallpapering, Davin keeps a touch of ‘old school’ craftsmanship alive in his programs while embracing new techniques and technologies shaping the industry.
“I really value the diversity of the trade and enjoy exposing students to the wide range of skills and career pathways available,” Davin said.
“I’m keen to further develop online and digital teaching methodologies and continue evolving my programs to best support apprentices, students and the industry into the future.”
With 36 years of industry experience and 23 years in vocational education, Davin brings deep trade knowledge, real-world expertise and an authentic passion for teaching into every classroom and workshop.
His career has taken him overseas, working as an industrial painter at the Kinsevere Copper Mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo and volunteering in Cambodia to help paint a school through grassroots charity work. These global experiences reinforce the message he shares with students: trade skills can open doors anywhere in the world.
Nominated for Teacher of the Year at the 2023 Victorian Training Awards and awarded Teacher of the Year in 2016 by the Master Painters Association of Victoria / Tasmania, Davin is also committed to giving back locally, supporting painting maintenance and facility upgrades for community and sporting clubs across Gippsland.
Davin’s experience
- 36 years of industry experience
- 23 years in vocational education
- Extensive international experience as a painter and decorator
- Business ownership experience
What Davin’s students can expect
Students can expect engaging, hands-on learning enriched by Davin’s international stories and real-world insights.
While a traditionalist at heart, Davin is focused firmly on the future — continually evolving his programs and integrating digital and online methodologies to ensure apprentices graduate at the forefront of their trade.