<p>Weston College have recently held an inter college competition for the South West Skills Challenge for Hair and Beauty – a competition which has been set up by colleges in the South West to support learners in their preparations for WorldSkills competitions.</p><p>At our Knightstone campus, we hosted Bath College, City of Bristol College, Yeovil College, New College Swindon, Gloucester College, and Bridgwater and Taunton College. The day consisted of various hair, foundation hair, beauty therapist and beauty practitioner competitions all judged by industry professionals, VTCT, AHT and WorldSkills judges.</p><p>The students that came in the top 3 of each competition were awarded prizes that were kindly donated by Dennis Williams, Ellisons, Capital, VTCT Skills, Wella.</p><p>Our Weston College learners came on top for the Foundation Hair and Beauty Practitioner awards, as well as coming second for the Beauty Therapist award! A big congratulations to the 30 talented competitors across all 7 colleges who pushed themselves outside their comfort zones, showcasing their amazing skills and creativity. The level of talent was truly inspiring!</p><p>We’d like to extend a huge thank you to Ellisons Hair and Beauty , VTCT Skills , Dennis Williams, and Wella UK for providing fantastic prizes, as well as a special shout-out to our fantastic panel of judges: David Bassett, Mark Rayment, Chloe Williams and Hayley Huxtable who helped make the competition run smoothly and provided valuable feedback for the competitors.</p><p>Below are the results of each of the competitions:</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong><u>Foundation Hair:&nbsp;</u></strong></p><p>🥇Weston College&nbsp;</p><p>🥈Bridgwater &amp; Taunton College&nbsp;</p><p>🥉Bridgwater &amp; Taunton College</p><p><strong><u>Hair:&nbsp;</u></strong></p><p>🥇Gloucestershire College&nbsp;</p><p>🥈Gloucestershire College&nbsp;</p><p>🥉New College Swindon</p><p><strong><u>Beauty Practitioner:&nbsp;</u></strong></p><p>🥇Weston College&nbsp;</p><p>🥈New College Swindon</p><p><strong><u>Beauty Therapist:&nbsp;</u></strong></p><p>🥇Yeovil College&nbsp;</p><p>🥈Weston College&nbsp;</p><p>🥉Yeovil College</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Jenna Ratcliffe, Head of Service Sectors at Weston College, said, <em><strong>“Weston College are super proud to have hosted the South West Skills – Hair and Beauty Competition, and we are delighted with the outcomes of our Weston College learners! They have all put considerable amounts of dedication into their work, which was evident during the competition.</strong></em></p><p><em><strong>“Hosting events like these gives learners across colleges the opportunity to gain real industry experience which will help them immensely with their transition from college into employment, and it is important that we continue to give these opportunities to our learners throughout their time at college.”</strong></em></p><p>If you would like to find out more about our Beauty courses, <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/beaut… here.</a></p><p>If you would like to find out more about our Hairdressing courses, <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-… here.</a></p>

<p style="margin-bottom:16px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Last month, Weston College proudly hosted the regional heats of the <strong>Association of Hairdressers and Therapists (AHT)</strong> <strong>Competition</strong>. As one of several heats held across the UK, the event welcomed Further and Higher Education students, adult learners, and apprentices from </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…; target="_blank"><span style="color:#37797B;font-size:inherit;">Hairdressing</span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> and </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…; target="_blank"><span style="color:#37797B;font-size:inherit;">Makeup &amp; Prosthetics</span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> courses across Weston, Bristol, and Bath to compete for a spot in the national finals.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:16px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">The all-day event featured a wide range of competitions spread throughout the college, challenging students in both technical skill and creativity. From haircuts and styling to makeup and prosthetics, each category pushed learners to demonstrate their expertise while showcasing their artistic flair.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:16px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…; target="_blank"><span style="color:#37797B;font-size:inherit;">Hairdressing</span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> competitions were exclusive to Further Education students and varied in difficulty. Tasks ranged from commercial and feminine blow-dries, and cut and finish challenges, to more complex categories like freestyle work on textured hair and fantasy hairdressing. Each competition gave learners the opportunity to work independently, competing against their peers from across the South West under time pressure in a professional setting.&nbsp;</span></p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Students giving the model a skin fade&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0b857d37-dab1-4404-9b9d-76b8a0475df9" 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 style="margin-bottom:16px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;">&nbsp;</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Student giving the hair mannequin a blow out&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8373e7c3-a07f-4c09-b6c5-5ad8c1cc4491" 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 style="margin-bottom:16px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Meanwhile, the </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…; target="_blank"><span style="color:#37797B;font-size:inherit;">Makeup &amp; Prosthetics</span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> categories welcomed both FE and HE students, offering unique themes and complete creative freedom. Competitions included body painting, face painting, Editorial Vogue-inspired makeup, and Moulin Rouge designs. The diverse range of tasks allowed students to experiment with different techniques and media, creating original and innovative designs beyond the typical curriculum.&nbsp;</span></p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Student completing Moulin Rouge makeup on a model&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5dd3f3f4-b578-486c-806e-70f108e98c3f" 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 style="margin-bottom:16px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hospi…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hospi…; target="_blank"><span style="color:#37797B;font-size:inherit;">Hospitality and Catering</span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> students also played an important role in the event, providing a delicious buffet that was praised by visiting colleges and guests.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:16px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">After a day of impressive displays of talent and creativity, the results were counted, and a small awards ceremony was held. Out of 90 students competing from across the South West, 13 Weston College learners secured their place in the finals, which will be held in Blackpool this May.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:16px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Jenna Ratcliffe, Head of Service Sectors at Weston College and AHT Chair for the South West, highlighted the importance of competitions like this for students’ personal and professional development. She shared, “The AHT Competition helps to support our learners' careers, allowing them to meet like-minded people aspiring for the same career. It provides them with hands-on experience that enhances their skills and prepares them for the future.”&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:16px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">A huge thank you goes to <strong>VTCT </strong>for sponsoring and judging the competition,<strong> Stylebook Directory</strong> for their support, and all the AHT judges and industry specialists who dedicated their time and expertise to the day.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:16px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Congratulations to every student who took part in the competition, and best of luck to those heading to the finals.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">If you are interested in applying to one of our </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…; target="_blank"><span style="color:#37797B;font-size:inherit;">Makeup &amp; Prosthetics</span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> or </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…; target="_blank"><span style="color:#37797B;font-size:inherit;">Hairdressing &amp; Barbering</span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> courses, click here.&nbsp;</span></p>

<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Last week, 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 were treated to an inspiring and educational visit from Claire, a seasoned beauty professional representing <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.outbackorganics.co.uk/"><u>Outback Organics</u></a>. The session was a unique opportunity for students to gain firsthand knowledge from an expert whose career has spanned continents and specialities.&nbsp;</p><p>Claire’s extensive career journey captivated the students as she shared her experiences, which began in London, where she trained and worked before jetting on an exciting career aboard luxury cruise ships. Her expertise and passion took her around the globe, first to New Zealand and later to Australia, where she navigated the beauty industry as a product seller. Throughout her career, Claire has developed a wide range of skills, from nails and facials to body massages, and now specialises in waxing, eyebrow shaping, and permanent makeup.&nbsp;</p><p>Currently working with Outback Organics, Claire champions the company’s line of botanical skincare products. Outback Organics blend cutting-edge cosmetic ingredients with natural Australian extracts from the coastline, forests, and bushlands, making them a perfect fit for spas, salons, and beauty therapists, as well as individual users.&nbsp;</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Claire from Outback Organics giving the students an underarm wax demonstration&quot;" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4722d426-1ce2-4824-a04a-3d4cdf7b14ff" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_750x750&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p>Focusing on underarm and leg waxing, she walked the students through the process step-by-step, covering everything from skin preparation and waxing techniques to essential after-care practices. These practical demonstrations provided students with a hands-on look at professional waxing techniques, along with insider tips and tricks to help them excel in their future careers.&nbsp;</p><p>Jenna, Head of Service Sectors, reflected on the visit, stating, “Claire's visit today was particularly inspiring for the students. Plenty of them are interested in pursuing a career in waxing, so having an experienced beauty therapist visit provided them an insight into what their career could look like. The students were impressed by Claire's expertise in the field, this goes to show how important industry involvement in their studies is!”&nbsp;</p><p>The visit from Claire and Outback Organics highlighted the importance of bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world industry experience, leaving a lasting impression on the students.&nbsp;</p><p>This partnership forms part of the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/ceh-hair-and-beauty"><u>Hair and Beauty Careers Excellence Hub.</u></a> Weston College has fourteen sector-specific Career Excellence Hubs, which evidence our dedication to supporting both employers and learners in achieving their future goals. By creating a seamless connection between industry and education, we enable learners to acquire not only the essential skills and knowledge but also the professional networks necessary to excel in their chosen fields.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>To find out about what courses we have to offer for Hair and Beauty, please <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/ceh-hair-and-beauty"><u>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 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>