This week, Weston College hosted the Beauty Therapy South West Skills Challenge endorsed by WorldSkills UK for the second year in a row, with one of our Weston College students taking 2nd place after Bath College. This was an excellent opportunity for students from across the South West to compete in a range of techniques in a professional, time-sensitive environment. 

During the challenge, we hosted Bath College, Yeovil College, and New College Swindon as well as two of our Weston College students. The day consisted of treatments which were judged by industry professionals such as Bella Beauty and former Weston College learner and WorldSkills competitor, Ellie, who now works at Cadbury Spa. 

Throughout the competition, students completed multiple treatments, from manicures and pedicures, to facials and eyelash tinting. They had 2.5 hours to complete all treatments which was great practice for students competing in future WorldSkills competitions. It was fantastic to see the concentration and professionalism from all of the students, and it was excellent preparation for future careers as Beauty Practitioners.  

Competitions like this provide our students with invaluable experience within their subject, building their confidence and time management skills whilst also strengthening employer engagement and meeting likeminded individuals from different colleges. This is an excellent networking opportunity whilst developing their abilities and building their professional portfolio. 

It was also a great opportunity for our students to see former student, Ellie, on the judging panel as it showed our students what they can achieve if they continue to persevere and take part in enriching competitions such as this. 

Jenna Ratcliffe, Head of Service Sectors at Weston College, added, “It was fantastic to see the dedication and commitment shown by the students throughout the competition. Our two Beauty Therapy learners, Eve and Aimee, demonstrated their knowledge and skills brilliantly and Aimee was rewarded with an impressive second-place award.” 

“We always encourage our students to challenge themselves by taking part in competitions like this, as they provide valuable hands-on experience, help build confidence, and develop the resilience and adaptability needed for future careers in the industry. As a college, we are grateful to host other local colleges, giving our students the opportunity to connect, share experiences, and build networks with others in the field.” 

Also, a big thank you to our SEND learners who provided a fantastic refreshment service to ensure our competitors were fully fuelled throughout the competition.  

And finally, a huge well done to all the students who took part, the professionalism displayed was excellent to see and we look forward to seeing the future talent in the Beauty industry.

This competition forms part of the Beauty Therapy Careers Excellence Hub. Weston College's Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our learners' careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares learners to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys.  

If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College here. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.