Since achieving fantastic results on her Level 3 course, Beauty Therapy alumni Amelia Lee (18) is continuing to showcase her talent and tenacity as she was recently selected for the finals of the WorldSkills national competition. 

WorldSkills UK is an independent charity that works with employers, education and governments, supporting young people across the world via competitions-based training, testing their ability to achieve world-class standards in the biennial ‘skills olympics’. 

Over 3,000 people registered to take part in the UK-wide competitions back in March and Amelia is one of 400 who made it into the finals, which is split into 64 disciplines. 

Amelia commented: “I first heard of WorldSkills on my Interview evening for my first year studying Beauty Therapy. I was told the passion and dedication it took to be a part of it, I knew there and then this was something I was going to aspire to achieve. 

The ex-Worle school student had to go through multiple qualifiers in order to make it to the finals. For the regional round, contestants first had to submit a picture of an immaculate French manicure and red-carpet makeup look they had put together. This was followed by a five minute presentation video explaining what makes a good massage treatment, showing progression in execution since the entry pictures. Finally, a five minute video presenting all spectrums of massage techniques and pressures. 

Amelia commented: “Once the regional round had been judged, the total entry numbers went from 60 to 8. I am lucky enough to be one of the 8! 

“I feel so proud to be taking part in such a large nationwide competition, there was no other feeling better than when I received my email to say I had qualified for nationals. For me, it shows courage and determination, the sky is the limit now” 

The finalists will compete for gold, silver and bronze from 9-19 November, with the winners crowned at a ceremony hosted by TV presenter Steph McGovern from her Packed Lunch studio on Friday 26 November. 

This exciting announcement is just one of the fantastic career enhancing opportunities available at the college, through the newly launched Career Excellence Hubs. 

At the College each subject area forms its own specific Career Excellence Hub, endorsed by relevant sector employers which help to create a study programme with lots of career boosting benefits, WorldSkills competing opportunities is one of these.

Amelia added: “Enabling a student to become ‘Job Ready’ is massively important to build students confidence and prepare them for their next adventure that awaits them.” 

“Throughout doing WorldSkills, so far, I have learnt to take on constructive criticism, to be determined and to dig deep within for what you really want. Anything is possible if you believe!” 

Having finished her course at Weston college, Amelia now has a job in the industry, working at Elements Boutique Spa in Bridgwater. 

She continues: “The support I have received from the College has been incredible. I was lucky enough to have the most brilliant tutor who truly believed in me and is still constantly encouraging me to strive for excellence. Without Jenna (my tutor), I would have never been able to get this far. I am now proud to be working in the industry and Jenna has made me the best therapist I can be, for that I am eternally grateful. 

“For anyone that is thinking of studying Beauty at Weston College, I think you need skills like patience, determination and the passion for the subject.” 

The college is now offering technical qualifications in Beauty Therapy as well as vocational diplomas. Grades of five GCSE at grade 9-3, including English and maths at grade 4 or above, are needed for Level 3 and a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 9-2, with at least two at grade 4 or a qualifying Level 1 qualification, is required to study at Level 2. 

We’d like to wish Amelia the very best of luck with the national WorldSkills finals!

Click here to read more about our other WorldSkills contestants

Click here to read more about the Career Excellence Hubs