A Beauty Apprentice from the Business Enterprise Centre at Weston College has been selected to compete in the international WorldSkills Competition, with an opportunity to represent England if she wins.

Hayley Wright, aged 17 from Bridgwater, recently received a bronze award after coming third in the national final of the WorldSkills UK competition. She has now been asked to compete against just four other girls to win her place in the competition.

Hayley impressed the judges so much at the national competition that she was handpicked to attend the shortlisting sessions for the international competition last week. Hayley competed against 12 very skilled beauty therapists performing a variety of treatments, from manicure to massage, in front of a panel of judges.

Following this Hayley secured her place in the top five to represent England. If Hayley succeeds at the next stage, against the four other candidates, she will take part in the world competitions in London in 2011.

Hayley, who is studying for an Apprenticeship in Beauty Therapy with the Business Enterprise Centre at Weston College, represented Weston College twice last year. She won gold in the regional heat of the contest, beating fierce competition from contestants across the country to finish third at the national heat.

Tanita Veal, Work-based Co-ordinator for Hair and Beauty at the Business Enterprise Centre, said: “We are absolutely thrilled Hayley did so well in the national final of the WorldSkills competition and delighted she has been selected to compete in the WorldSkills International competition – it’s a fantastic achievement!”

Hayley, who works at Beautology in Clifton, Bristol, said: “I cannot remember wanting to be anything but a Beauty Therapist and this passion has given me the motivation to be the best in my field. The training I have received from Weston College has provided me with the skills to enable me to work towards my dream.”

She added: “Studying this apprenticeship has allowed me to observe experienced practitioners and participate in a real working environment. This has helped me develop my own skills and I have grown in confidence. It has given me the inspiration and encouragement to achieve, progress and realise my full potential.”

Hayley has also been nominated by the Business Enterprise Centre for ‘Apprentice of the Year’ at the National Apprenticeship Awards. If she is shortlisted she will attend the Oscar style ceremony in London in July.

She said: “I would love to be named ‘Apprentice of the Year’ as I think I demonstrate all the advantages an apprenticeship offers to young people like me. I started at a low level of skill but have now achieved and perfected, with the support of staff at the College, a wide range of skills and techniques. This award would mean the world to me.”

WorldSkills UK provides more than 70 quality assured skills competitions. These annual competitions aim to encourage young people and adults across the UK to excel in their chosen vocational area.

If you are interested in studying an apprenticeship please call the Business Enterprise Centre on 01934 411594 or email business.enterprise.centre@weston.ac.uk.