Crosskeys Campus theatrical makeup student Claudia Gilman won first place for her body painting skills, modelled by Anna Coleman
Coleg Gwent’s talented hair and beauty students blazed a trail for Wales in the regional heats of the Association of Hairdressers and Therapists (AHT) skills competition to secure multiple places in the UK final on 17 March in Blackpool.
Hair, beauty and theatrical makeup students from Coleg Gwent’s City of Newport, Crosskeys and Blaenau Gwent Learning Zone Campuses battled it out with a variety of creative looks in Bristol on Monday 17 February, scooping seven first, four second and four third places between them.
Beauty categories included nail art, bridal makeup (a team event with hairdressing students) and 50’s makeup, while hairdressing students competed in avant-garde, bridal & blow-drying themed categories.
Theatrical makeup student Sarah Davies, 23 from Gorseinon, was placed first in the face paint ‘animals’ category with a detailed leopard look. She said: “The standard was really high so when I came first I was a little shocked. I’d never been in a competition before and I won the heat!
“Now I’ve found out I can do it, I wouldn’t be put off entering another competition in the future, and it’s great to be part of a team. Now I’m just nervous and excited for the Blackpool finals.”
Sarah also hopes the competitive experience will stand her in good stead for the future, she said: “I love the theatre so my ultimate dream is to work for a company like the Welsh National Opera but at the moment I’m hoping to work in television. It’s a very competitive part of the industry but with so many great productions and opportunities coming to Wales, I hope to carve out a career in TV here in Wales.”
Winners placed in the top three will now represent the College at the prestigious UK-wide final in Blackpool Winter Gardens on March 17.
“Taking part in this event allowed our learners to build their artistic and creative vision, and the impressive set of results really boosted their confidence,” said City of Newport lecturer Alison Edwards.
“In the fast evolving hair and beauty industry, competitions like this enable students to progress and make links within the business, as well as share knowledge and be inspired.”
Helen Lawless, Head of School for Creative Industries at Crosskeys Campus, said:
“We had an amazing day and students secured a superb set of results. Huge congratulations to all of our students and thank you to all the teaching and technical staff who organised, attended and prepared the learners for the event.”
“We were delighted to have a student placed in the regional final for the first time,” added Helena Bassett, lecturer at the Blaenau Gwent Learning Zone. “All students did exceptionally well, and we wish them all the best in the upcoming Blackpool final.”
