<p>Following the South West Regional heats of the <strong>Association of Hairdressers and Therapists (AHT)</strong> <strong>Competition</strong> hosted at Weston College, some of our HE and FE students progressed to the AHT Final in Blackpool that took place over 2 days.&nbsp;</p><p>Throughout the competitions, our FE and HE learners showcased exceptional skill, determination, and passion across the two days in each category, and this was truly reflected in the fantastic results of our students.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Weston College Further Education (FE) students from <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…;, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-… and Media</u></a>, and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/beaut…; attended, as well as UCW Higher Education (HE) students from <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/hair-make-up-and-prosthetics-for-producti… and Prosthetics</u></a>.</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Student made up in prosthetics as a green monster&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ca0c738d-f939-4b29-a2c8-7670eab5fbdb" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_500x500&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For the competition, the students and staff travelled up on the Saturday to explore Blackpool and settle in before the competition ahead. On the Sunday, learners competed in the direct entry competitions which included Spa Body Massage, Prosthetics, Nails, and Catwalk Hair. Within these categories, the learners managed to secure 1st place in Spa Body Massages and Prosthetics, a 3rd place in Prosthetics, and 4th place in Nails.&nbsp;</p><p>The National Finals took place on the Monday where both HE and FE students competed in a range of categories, including Body Painting, Create an Injury, Face Painting, Fantasy Make up, Cut and Blow dry, Fantasy Hair, and Hair styling. Similar to the direct entry competitions, the results for these competitions were amazing, with the Face Painting securing 1st place, Create an Injury achieving 3rd place, and Fantasy Makeup gaining 4th place out of 27 participants!&nbsp;</p><p>Throughout the competition, students were required to adhere to very strict guidelines and themes. This created a real-life, client-customer simulation for some students as it required learners to think creatively whilst remaining within the rules, regulations and requirements set by the competition.&nbsp;</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Student wearing a flower headdress with foundation dripping from her eyes&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5502f9fc-8b29-44c8-9c05-a62a60e8a6f9" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_500x500&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p>&nbsp;</p><p>This was a fantastic opportunity for learners to apply their skills and follow instructions whilst adding their own creative freedom to their work. Not only this, they also got the chance to meet like-minded individuals with a passion for hairdressing, makeup and beauty, as well as network with industry professionals and gain constructive criticism to further enhance their skills.&nbsp;</p><p>These types of competitions are great for building confidence in the next generation of professionals, whilst also giving them credited awards that they can include in their portfolio in order to show off their talent and ability to future employers.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Jenna Ratcliffe, Head of Service Sectors at Weston College and AHT Chair for the South West, expressed the pride she felt for the students, saying, “to step onto the competition floor takes courage, but to medal among such outstanding talent is even more impressive! Many of our learners pushed well beyond the limits of their qualifications, proving just how committed and capable they are.&nbsp;</p><p>Competitions such as this allow students to gain hands-on experience of working with specifications in a pressured environment which only improves and develops their time-management, professionalism, and their general abilities. We couldn’t be prouder of how our students did and how they represented Weston College. It was a true testament to their hard work!”&nbsp;</p><p>Well done to all the students who participated in this competition!&nbsp;</p><p>If you are interested in applying to one of our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-… &amp; Prosthetics</u></a> or <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-… &amp; Barbering</u></a> courses, click here. &nbsp;</p><p><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/hair-make-up-and-prosthetics-for-producti… you are interested in applying to the UCW Hair, Makeup and Prosthetics Degree course, click here.</u></a>&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>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Two teams from Weston College’s <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote… Services</a> department recently took on one of the UK’s most demanding endurance challenges: the Ten Tors competition on Dartmoor. Taking part in the 45-mile and 55-mile events respectively, both teams demonstrated exceptional determination and commitment, making their college proud in their first-ever appearance at the event.</p><p>The Ten Tors Challenge brings together approximately 2,400 teenagers in 400 teams of six, each navigating a course of 35, 45, or 55 miles, depending on their age, across Dartmoor. Over two days, teams are required to be completely self-sufficient, carrying all the equipment and supplies necessary to safely complete their route and camp overnight. Along the way, they must reach ten nominated tors or checkpoints, testing not only their physical endurance but also their navigation and survival skills.</p><p>David Usher, one of our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote… Services</a> lecturers, praised the students’ performance, saying, “We are really proud of the teams' achievements in this tough event. This was our first time participating in the event and we have learnt a lot for future involvement. Training will start in earnest in September for next year’s event, where we are looking to set the standard for the quickest times possible.”</p><p>Participation in the Ten Tors is a great example of the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote… Services</a> curriculum at Weston College, where students are encouraged to build confidence, resilience, and leadership through real-world challenges. Events like this prepare students for future service careers by pushing them beyond their perceived limits and reinforcing the value of teamwork, strategy, and mental strength.</p><p>This year’s competition offered invaluable lessons. Beyond navigating Dartmoor’s terrain and tackling its varying inclines, students were also responsible for carrying all essential gear needed for the two-day expedition.</p><p>We’d like to congratulate all those who took part! The physical and mental endurance displayed by all participants, including students from other schools, was inspiring.</p><p><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote… you’re interested in joining the adventure with one of our Uniformed Protective Services courses, click here.</a></p>

<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Weston College is working with Ashcombe Children's Centre to create a Stay and Play for the community, where <strong>everything is completely FREE!</strong></p><p>This exciting event will take place on <strong>Wednesday 18th June at Ashcombe Children's Centre</strong> with two sessions available:&nbsp;</p><p>Morning session: 9am – 10:30am&nbsp;</p><p>Afternoon session: 1pm – 2:30pm&nbsp;</p><p>Our stay and play allows for <strong>parents and carers to stay and play alongside their children</strong> in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Enjoy a morning of hands-on activities, creative play, and community interaction, all designed to support early development and learning.</p><p>Our Early Years and Education students will be there too - leading activities, playing with children, and helping set up a fun-filled space for you and your little ones.</p><p>There will be a wide range of fun and stimulating activities designed to support children’s learning and development. These include:&nbsp;</p><ul><li class="ProsemirrorEditor-listItem" style="margin-left:32px;" data-list-indent="1" data-list-type="bulleted">Messy play with sand, water, and mud&nbsp;</li><li class="ProsemirrorEditor-listItem" style="margin-left:32px;" data-list-indent="1" data-list-type="bulleted">A painting station where children can explore colours and their senses&nbsp;</li><li class="ProsemirrorEditor-listItem" style="margin-left:32px;" data-list-indent="1" data-list-type="bulleted">A quiet sensory area for those who prefer a calmer space&nbsp;</li><li class="ProsemirrorEditor-listItem" style="margin-left:32px;" data-list-indent="1" data-list-type="bulleted">A circle time mat where an adult will read stories and use counting blocks to help prepare children for school &nbsp;</li></ul><p>All activities have been designed to support your child’s fine motor skills, gross motor skills, and overall early development, while encouraging creativity, confidence, and social interaction.&nbsp;</p><p>To keep everyone refreshed, <strong data-start="1226" data-end="1254">free drinks and biscuits</strong> will be available during both sessions.</p><p>A select group of Weston College’s Early Years and Education students have planned this event themselves as part of their course, using their knowledge and creativity to design a fun and inclusive experience for local families.&nbsp;</p><p>Spaces are limited, so if you’re interested in attending, please make sure to secure your slot in advance. &nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=FgfhBifCK0qqQ-seKHr… book a place, click here.&nbsp;</a></p><p>Everyone is welcome – we can’t wait to see you there!&nbsp;</p><p>If you have any questions prior to the event, don't hesitate to contact Lucy on <a href="mailto: lucy.drew@weston.ac.uk">lucy.drew@weston.ac.uk</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 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.</strong>&nbsp;</p>