Two Harrow College students are celebrating after coming third in their regional heats at the WorldSkills UK national competition.
Of the hundreds of people that took part in the event at Portsmouth College on 10 May, Janell English and Lydia Robertson were successful in taking accolades home for Harrow College.
Every year students, accompanied by their tutors, are invited to compete in their specialist skills at the national heats. The WorldSkills competition, which has been running for the past 60 years, aims for excellence in vocational training.
Janell English, who is on the Nail Services NVQ2 course, took third place in the nail enhancements category. Lydia Robertson, who is studying on the Theatrical, Special Effects and Media Hair and Make-Up Diploma course, took the same position in theatrical and media make-up and body painting. Both wins represent an overwhelming achievement for Harrow College.
Speaking about her experience of the competition Harrow College student Lydia Robertson said: “I was very apprehensive on the day, however, as soon as I got started I did my best and I was very pleased with my result. I learnt so much from entering this competition and I hope that I can go through to represent Harrow College in the finals in November.”
Lydia Robertson’s entry (pictured) of a monkey shows just how high standards were for entrants.
Coron Zammito, curriculum manager for hair and beauty at Harrow College, praised the students for their hard work and dedication. “The Worldskills competitions are a fantastic arena to showcase their work. The students have spent weeks practising and it was all worth it when we achieved third place in both of the competitions,” said Coron Zammito. “The students were a credit to Harrow College - so professional and a pleasure to take along.”
Both students will have a three-week wait to see if they have a chance to compete for a medal in the WorldSkills’ international competition. The top 12 highest marks from across the UK determine who will make it to the finals at the NEC Birmingham on 14-16 November.
Coron Zammito added: “If either of them do get through it will be a very intense training programme for them with their tutors to ensure we can get a medal in the final.”
Notable mentions go to Marlenna Piponias on the Nail Services NVQ2 course and Tasha Patel who is on the Theatrical, Special Effects and Media Hair and Make-Up Diploma course, who also took part in the event.