<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Last month, Weston College proudly hosted the <strong>Association of Hairdressers and Therapists (AHT)</strong> South West Regional Competition at the Winter Gardens, welcoming talented students from across the South West and Wales. The event provided an exciting platform for aspiring professionals to showcase their skills, creativity, and technical expertise in a competitive, real-world environment.</p><p>Our FE <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-… and Barbering</a>, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/beaut… Therapy</a>, and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-… and Prosthetics</a> students, alongside <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/makeup-wigs-and-special-effects-ba-hons/"… HE Makeup, Wigs and Special Effects BA (Hons)</a> students, took part in a wide range of categories. From body painting, theatrical ageing, and face painting to cut and blow-dries, facials, and hairstyling, the competition challenged students to apply their practical knowledge under time pressure while maintaining high professional standards.</p><p>We are delighted that 14 of our students have progressed to the <strong>AHT National Finals</strong> in Blackpool on 11th May, where they will compete against top students from across the UK.</p><p>Taking part in competitions like this plays a vital role in our students’ development. Working in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment helps to build confidence, resilience, and adaptability which are essential qualities for careers in the hair and beauty industry, where working with clients often requires quick thinking and professionalism.</p><p>The experience also enables students to refine their technical skills and push their creative boundaries. Constructive feedback from industry professionals gives them valuable insight into current standards and expectations, helping them to elevate their work and continue improving.</p><p>In addition, the competition provides invaluable networking opportunities. Students are able to connect with peers who share similar ambitions, as well as industry experts, allowing them to exchange ideas, gain inspiration, and build relationships that may support their future careers.</p><p>Competing in a respected event such as the AHT also strengthens students’ professional portfolios. It demonstrates their ability to perform at a high level in a competitive setting and provides credible, industry-recognised experience that will stand out to future employers.</p><p>It was also great to see former <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/beaut… Therapy</a> student and training <strong>WorldSkills</strong> judge, Maddie Hulbert, on the judging panel. Her fantastic progression and achievements act as a role model for our students, showing them what can be achieved with hard work and perseverance.</p><p>Jenna Ratcliffe, Head of Service Sectors at Weston College, added, “Seeing our students apply their classroom knowledge to a professional competition and do so calmly and maturely was fantastic to see. It reflects how far they have come since they began their course, and I am so proud to see what they have achieved. I would also like to say a huge thank you to the FE and HE Hair, Beauty, and Media Makeup team who have worked tirelessly with our students. These fantastic results are also a reflection of the hard work you’ve committed to our students.”</p><p>A huge thank you to <strong>VTCT</strong> and the judges for their time, expertise and invaluable feedback that will inevitably elevate the learner experience.</p><p>We wish all of our finalists the best of luck as they prepare to represent Weston College on a national stage in Blackpool.</p><p>This competition forms part of the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…; and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/beaut…; 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.&nbsp;</p><p>Progress to the next level in <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses-by-subject/performance-and-production-art…, Makeup and Special Effects</a>! At <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/">University Centre Weston (UCW)</a> our students give us impressive feedback, with our latest National Student Survey results putting us above average in all nine areas! Find out more about our exceptional teaching, wellbeing services and learning resources by visiting our website. <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/">Click here!</a></p><p><strong>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 </strong><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/jobs?utm_source=main-menu&amp;utm_medium=main-…;. 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.</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">This week, Weston College hosted the <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/beaut… Therapy</a> <strong>South West Skills Challenge</strong> endorsed by <strong>WorldSkills UK</strong> for the second year in a row, with one of our Weston College students, Aimee Thomas, 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.&nbsp;</p><p>During the challenge, we hosted <strong>Bath College</strong>, <strong>Yeovil College</strong>, and <strong>New College Swindon</strong> as well as two of our Weston College students. The day consisted of treatments which were judged by industry professionals such as <strong>Bella Beauty</strong> and former Weston College learner and WorldSkills competitor, Ellie, who now works at <strong>Cadbury Spa</strong>.&nbsp;</p><p>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.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>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.&nbsp;</p><p>It was also a great opportunity for our students to see former student, Ellie, on the judging panel&nbsp;as it showed&nbsp;our students what they can achieve if they continue to persevere and take&nbsp;part in enriching competitions such as this.&nbsp;</p><p>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.”&nbsp;</p><p>“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.”&nbsp;</p><p>Also, a big thank you to our <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/cours… </a>learners who provided a fantastic refreshment service to ensure our competitors were fully fuelled throughout the competition. &nbsp;</p><p>And finally, a&nbsp;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.</p><p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">This competition forms part of the <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/beaut… Therapy</a> 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. &nbsp;</p><p><strong>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 </strong><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/jobs?utm_source=main-menu&amp;utm_medium=main-…;. 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.</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Last week, our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/perfo… Arts</u></a> and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hospi… and Catering</u></a> students delivered an immersive 1920s-themed murder mystery dinner, combining a three-course meal with live performances throughout the evening. The event was a fantastic cross-college collaboration: our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-… 3 Hair and Makeup</u></a> students styled the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/perfo… Arts</u></a> students, while <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/graphic-design-ba-hons/"><u>BA (Hons) Graphic Design</u></a> students from <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/"><u>University Centre Weston (UCW)</u></a> designed promotional materials to support the event.&nbsp;</p><p>This initiative brought together multiple curriculum areas from Weston College and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/"><u>UCW</u></a&gt;, creating a high-quality public event that showcased the wide variety of student talent across a range of disciplines. It was a great example of how collaborative working can elevate both the learning experience and the final production.&nbsp;</p><p>Our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hospi… and Catering</u></a> students designed and prepared an elaborate three-course menu, offering both meat and vegetarian options to accommodate a variety of dietary requirements. While students regularly host weekly dinner services to gain invaluable hands-on experience with real customers, this event presented a new challenge by delivering a fully immersive themed evening in partnership with other departments. This required adaptability, teamwork, and resilience, enabling students to develop their problem-solving skills and confidence in a dynamic, live-event setting.&nbsp;</p><p>For our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/perfo… Arts</u></a> students, the evening offered the opportunity to work beyond the traditional stage environment and perform within an interactive dining space. They engaged directly with guests, performing between tables and creating an authentic 1920s atmosphere while remaining mindful of the operational flow of the dinner service. This experience broadened their understanding of performance in non-traditional settings and provided valuable insight into alternative career pathways within the industry.&nbsp;</p><p>Collaborating across departments strengthened students’ communication and teamwork skills, encouraging them to step outside their comfort zones and build connections with peers from other subject areas. Through this process, they gained a deeper appreciation of the integral role that each discipline plays in delivering a successful live event.&nbsp;</p><p>The evening was met with outstanding feedback from attendees, who praised both the professionalism of the performances and the exceptional quality of the food. Most importantly, the event connected our students with the local community, providing meaningful real-world experience and reinforcing the standards expected within industry settings.&nbsp;</p><p>Experiences such as this encourage creativity, adaptability, and resilience which are essential qualities for future careers. By participating in ambitious, collaborative projects, our students continue to build the practical skills, confidence, and professional awareness needed to succeed in their chosen industries.&nbsp;</p><p>A huge well done to all the students who took part in this collaborative project, it was a fantastic display of professionalism and talent.&nbsp;</p><p>This collaborative project formed part of the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/perfo… Arts</u></a>, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hospi… and Catering</u></a>, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-… and Makeup</u></a>, and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/graphic-design-ba-hons/"><u>Graphic Design</u></a> 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. &nbsp;</p><p><strong>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 </strong><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/jobs?utm_source=main-menu&amp;utm_medium=main-…;. 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.</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p>