Beauty therapy learners secured places at WorldSkills national finals
Two Weston College beauty therapy learners are on their way to the UK final of a prestigious international competition.
Zoe Clarke (Beauty Therapy Level 2) and Chloe Williams (Beauty Therapy Level 3) showcased their skills to fight off competition from around 80 students in the South West heat of the WorldSkills beauty therapist event. They are among just eight students to reach the national final, which takes place in November.
WorldSkills is a prestigious international competition designed to create excitement and passion for learning in young people. Around 5,500 young people compete in various regional and national events for a place in the British squad for the international finals.
It is the largest competition of its type in the world, with apprentices and students, aged between 18 and 24 competing in 46 skill areas, including beauty therapy, robotics, graphic design, carpentry, catering and mechanics. Experts design the industry-specific competitions, which help equip apprentices and students with the skills UK businesses need to compete globally.
Both learners had 1 hour 40 minutes to perform four treatments. Chloe had to perform a back massage, mini-facial, evening make-up with lashes and French varnish. Zoe performed a tint, mini-facial, day make-up and French manicure.
Zoe said: “The amazing hands-on training I’ve received at Weston College has really boosted my confidence and knowledge, and helped me to this great achievement.”
Jenna Ratcliffe, Beauty and Sports Therapy lecturer, said: “Zoe and Chloe had to put in an additional six hours per week on top of their College timetable. This hard work enabled them to hone their technical skills, analyse each element and ensure excellence.”
Chloe said: “Going into competition is the best decision I have made. I love every minute of training and competition days and have come to realise that I really can do anything if I put my mind to it.”
The learners’ employers – Rookery Manor and Elements Hair and Beauty – also played an important role in their success. They helped Zoe and Chloe prepare by providing coaching and practice time in the spa/salon, this assisted in reducing their commercial timings to meet the competition brief.
Sandra Bull, College Lead for Hair, Beauty, Barbering, Hospitality and Catering, said: “The robust assessment processes helped Zoe and Chloe develop their confidence. They were also filmed and photographed throughout each practice so they could critique their own performance. We are extremely proud of them both – they have worked extremely hard.”
The pair will now compete in November’s two-day national final for a place in the UK WorldSkills squad.
For more details on the beauty courses at Weston College visit - https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/beauty-and-complementary-therapies
