<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>

<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Last month, two of our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/beaut… 2 Beauty Therapy</u></a> students acted as models during a Squad UK International Pressure Showcase at Weston College, giving them an excellent first-hand opportunity to work with Squad UK members and learn from them.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>During the day, Squad UK had a limited amount of time to complete a range of beauty treatments, from full-body clay masks to facials and massages. These treatments were completed on two of our Level 2 Beauty Therapy students, Eve and Aimee, teaching them crucial skills in time management, remaining calm under pressure, and professionally applying these treatments to clients. This was a fantastic opportunity for students to learn through experience and prepare them for a career in the Beauty Therapy industry.&nbsp;</p><p>Squad UK for <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/beaut… Therapy</u></a> consists of top-performing young professionals and students selected to represent the UK in international competitions like WorldSkills. These individuals undergo intensive training like the Time-Pressure Challenge where they practice advanced treatments, including skincare, make-up, and nail artistry to compete at the highest level.&nbsp;</p><p>Two members of Squad UK were in attendance as judges, Chloe and Maddie, who are former <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/beaut… Therapy</u></a> students at Weston College and have completed in WorldSkills competitions. Chloe Williams competed in 2018 and became a regional finalist before competing again in 2019 and being selected to be a part of Squad UK. Maddie Hulbert competed in 2024 and was also a regional finalist before competing again in 2025 and placing 3rd in the national final and being selected to become a Squad UK member with the aim of going to Japan. Maddie is still new to Squad UK and was learning the international marking scheme through shadow judging alongside Chloe and Hayley, the current WorldSkills training manager.&nbsp;</p><p>This was a great opportunity for our current students to engage with former students and see the potential progression for them, giving them a broader understanding of the pathways following their course that they may not have previously considered. Maddie and Chloe are a fantastic reflection of what students can achieve when they work hard and take part in enriching activities and competitions like WorldSkills.&nbsp;</p><p>At Weston College, our learners are encouraged to participate in competitions to further their skills, meet likeminded individuals, and connect with industry professionals. This also improves their confidence, communication, and organisational skills which can be transferred to their future careers in the beauty therapy industry.&nbsp;</p><p>Well done to Eve and Aimee for being professional models throughout the challenge where they gained valuable, first-hand experience from Squad UK members.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>This challenge forms part of the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/beaut… Therapy</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>&nbsp;</p>