<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>Following the <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/news/hair-and-makeup-students-get-spooky-puxto… of last year’s ‘Phobia’ Halloween event</a> collaboration at Puxton Park, Further and Higher Education learners from Weston College and <a href="www.ucw.ac.uk">University Centre Weston (UCW)</a> have collaborated with the Park to design and apply makeup to the 40 learner actors per night! The event ran from 21st - 28th October 2023, and had many haunted attractions including a Haunted Tractor Ride, Dolls House, Asylum, Freak Show, and The Dark Wood.</p><p>The impeccable hair and makeup were crafted by learners from <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/beaut… College's Hair and Makeup</a> for Fashion and Media, Hair, Makeup, and Special Effects for Film and Theatre, and students from University Centre Weston on the <a href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/hair-make-up-and-prosthetics-for-producti… (Hons) Hair, Makeup, and Prosthetics for Production</a>. The transformation of actors into creatures of the night is a testament to the dedication and skill of the makeup artists, adding to the immersive experience that "Phobia" offers.</p><p>The learners from the <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/perfo… Arts</a> department utilised their impressive acting skills to strike fear into the hearts of those brave enough to enter. Dressed in scary costumes and adorned with hair and makeup that was nothing short of spectacular, these actors made sure that the Phobia Event lived up to its name. Puxton Park's Marketing Manager, Grace Harvey, expressed her excitement about the event:</p><p>"Phobia is an exciting opportunity for all of us here at Puxton Park. Not only has it allowed us to welcome a wider range of visitors, but it also provided us the chance to collaborate with the exceptionally talented teams at Weston College and UCW. We have been impressed by the high level of professionalism and skills these students possess. Their passion and enthusiasm in their respective fields have truly shined, and we were thrilled to see their hard work come to life during the event."</p><p>This is the third year that Puxton Park has worked collaboratively with the College on this event and the students' remarkable talent continues to amaze year after year, taking the makeup designs to a whole new, spine-chilling level.</p><p>In addition to the spine-tingling performances, the Music department from Weston College also played a role in enhancing the overall atmosphere of the event, with student bands keeping visitors entertained.</p><p>Sandra Bull, Assistant Principal – Curriculum, commented “The professionalism and quality of work displayed by each learner working at ‘Phobia’ has been incredible – they have been an absolute asset to Weston College and UCW.</p><p>“I would like to thank Puxton Park for welcoming us back for another year and being so supportive to our learners – we can’t wait for next year!”</p><p>Phobia has been an incredible opportunity for Puxton Park and Weston College to collaborate again, creating an exciting, immersive Halloween experience for visitors from all around the area. This industry event experience forms part of both the Music and Hair &amp; Beauty <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/career-excellence-hubs">Careers Excellence Hub</a>. The College Group has fourteen sector-specific Career Excellence Hubs, which support 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. This partnership with Puxton has provided these students with a platform to showcase their talent and skills and is a shining example of how businesses and educational institutions can work together to create something extraordinary and mutually beneficial.</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{3dc44760-5362-4404-8ea9-12560bc24aed}{49}" paraid="1823456244" xml:lang="EN-GB">Emma, the owner of <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/news/blog-apprentice-salon-owner-new-careers-e… hair salon</a> in Weston-super-Mare, has been a <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/ceh-hair-and-beauty">Career Excellence Hub Endorser for our Hair and Barbering Department</a> for over a year now. As a solo artist in the world of hairdressing, Emma does it all. She not only styles and transforms hair but also manages the intricate details of her salon's operation. &nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{ca7b855d-8707-4051-bcaa-6372295572e4}{88}" paraid="1054092634" xml:lang="EN-GB">Emma recently led a masterclass with hairdressing learners here at the College, in which she taught and demonstrated using effective and safe working methods when perming and neutralising hair, as well as the necessary preparation and aftercare.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{f809bd92-21a0-43ed-90c3-98bd107f7f5c}{171}" paraid="998916816" xml:lang="EN-GB">We were lucky enough to catch up with her and reflect on her experience with the college so far.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{3dc44760-5362-4404-8ea9-12560bc24aed}{61}" paraid="2023585427" xml:lang="EN-GB">Working with the college is an opportunity to share her love for hairdressing and ignite the same passion in the next generation of hairstylists. Over the past year, Emma has had the pleasure of hosting numerous students from Weston College for work experience in her salon. These students are often a mixture of excited but nervous, but are gaining the hands-on experience in the industry that will be a huge help in their future careers.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{3dc44760-5362-4404-8ea9-12560bc24aed}{73}" paraid="897391264" xml:lang="EN-GB">Emma shares that having these students at her salon has been an opportunity to witness the remarkable transformation of their confidence. Their evolution is something Emma is proud to show her clients, who can see first-hand the impact of her mentorship.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{3dc44760-5362-4404-8ea9-12560bc24aed}{79}" paraid="114929536" xml:lang="EN-GB">The highlight for Emma is watching the incredible growth in these students. Many arrive uncertain, but by the end of their work experience, they have blossomed into more confident individuals. Emma's guidance and expertise create an environment where these training stylists can put into practice what they’re learning at college, and excel in the world of hairdressing.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{3dc44760-5362-4404-8ea9-12560bc24aed}{85}" paraid="1924076645" xml:lang="EN-GB">Emma's excitement for the future knows no bounds. She eagerly anticipates working even more closely with Weston College, nurturing fresh talent, and helping them find their unique style in the world of hairdressing. With her continued support and the college's education, we can expect to see even more incredible hairstylists emerging from Weston College.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{3dc44760-5362-4404-8ea9-12560bc24aed}{85}" paraid="1924076645" xml:lang="EN-GB">Unique Hair Salon forms part of the Hair &amp; Barbering&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/career-excellence-hubs">Careers Excellence Hub</a>. At Weston College our approach goes beyond the traditional classroom setting. Through industry speakers, workshops, employer projects, and more, we equip our learners with the real-world experiences and insights that set them apart in the competitive job market. It's not just about getting a job; it's about standing out from the crowd when they embark on their job searches.</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{3dc44760-5362-4404-8ea9-12560bc24aed}{85}" paraid="1924076645" xml:lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-… out more about our Hair and Barbering courses, here.</a></p>