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

Amazing aromas filled the Bistro recently as Knightstone Campus staff enjoyed a selection of soup, rolls and hot drinks in aid of Weston-super-Mare Food Bank.

In order to attend 'The Hunger Lunch' midday treat, staff bought tickets in advance costing just £1.50.

Whilst digging in, staff also had the chance to speak to union officers as well as representatives from our numerous green initiatives. This included information on our staff electric bike and North Somerset Travel, showing staff how they might be able to alter their journey into work and reduce their carbon footprints!

Overall, £70 was raised for the Weston Food Bank along with a whole box full of food items was donated in the process.

A massive thank-you to staff welfare officer, Gill, for arranging the successful session as well as to all those who attended and donated generously.

Weston College is running a free event to help school leavers make decisions about their future.

‘What Next?’ will provide pupils in school years 10 and 11 – and their parents – with advice and information about qualifications, courses and career pathways.

They will get to speak to expert College staff and employers, and have a go at a range of work-related activities.

The event takes place from 5.30-7.30pm on Wednesday 2nd October at the Winter Gardens in Weston.

Ben Cocks, Assistant Director and the College’s Careers Leader, said: “Leaving school is a daunting time for young people and their parents. They are bombarded with a range of confusing terms and asked to make choices that will affect the rest of their lives.

“’What Next’? is designed to take the headache out of those decisions, and explain the confusing educational jargon and how it relates to them. With new qualifications such as T Levels being introduced, alongside exceedingly dynamic UK industry sectors, it’s important that young people know what skills, knowledge and behaviours will be needed to be successful in tomorrow’s job market’

“We wanted this to be different to your usual careers convention and really focus on giving people access to employers and industry experts. It’s a fantastic opportunity for young people who are leaving school in 2020 or 2021 as they’ll get to talk to knowledgeable staff and employers from all over the UK in a fun, friendly environment.”

The College’s expert careers team will be on hand to offer guidance on a range of work-related topics, including:

• Exploring career opportunities
• Weighing up options and making decisions
• Job hunting and applications
• CV writing
• Applying to university and student finance

School leavers will be able to meet a range of employers and experience the world of work, by having a go at some exciting industry demonstrations.

Those baffled by the range of subjects, qualifications and levels available at College, will have the opportunity to talk to lecturers about courses, levels and the grades they might need.

Click here for more information and to register your attendance

If you would like advice on qualifications or careers, call 01934 411 415 or email aspect@weston.ac.uk