Students from all over the country arrived in Greenock on Thursday 26 May all with the same vision - to secure a place at the 2016 National Final in November.

The College was picked to host to the WorldSkills UK competitions across a number of beauty treatment categories such as Hands and Feet, Body, Nail Services, Nail Enhancements and Nail Art Advanced.

West College Scotland offered up its Greenock campus on 26 May for a full day of competition over a range of categories, with the College represented in each one.

The College which only had eight students competing were placed in every category. A huge congratulation go to Toni Coupar and Kathleen Orr who placed first in their categories and Pevrin Meyzin, Hannah Jamieson and Lynsey Alexander who secured  second and third places.

Those going forward to the National UK Final, will be determined in July and the highest scoring placed competitors from across the UK will make the final in November.

Mature student Kathleen Orr reflects on her first place win and how far she has come after deciding at the age of 40, to pick up a whole set of different skills.

Kathleen said, ‘I had been a hairdresser for many years, but I was bored and wanted to do something different. Beauty was my choice and I’ve not looked back, I sidestepped into Nails and I’ve loved it – especially all the glitter and glam you can have with nails.’

I’m so shocked I won. I had a bit of a drama on the day though- I’d forgotten a major material and had to improvise. I was all for giving up but my model encouraged me to keep going and I’m so glad she did.’

(Pictured: Kathleen Orr putting the finishing touches on her Cheerleader Creation).

Curriculum & Quality Leader, Marie O'Hagan said, 'WorldSkills UK aims to inspire people to be ambitious in their pursuit of skills to the highest level and drives excellence in workplace skills through competition. The standard of work has been phenomenal.'

Hannah Jamieson, 22 from Johnston Paisley who studies Level 3 Nails at the Greenock campus said, ‘It was a really stressful morning and I made everything more difficult for myself by using acrylic instead of gel. I’m working towards my HND next year and after that a mobile therapist. I like working with Nails as everyone’s are so different, and people want different things – you can be quite creative and its fun!’

Karen McIlvenna, Head of Sector for Hairdressing, Beauty and Make-up Artistry said, "It’s been a great atmosphere throughout the competition and well done to everyone that took part – the standard of work has been truly outstanding.’

A spokesperson from for WorldSkills said, ‘Worldskills equips students with the tools and resources they need to a build a future. It gives students the opportunity to showcase their skills, talent, build confidence and self-esteem.

The judges have seen some lovely practice throughout the day and were extremely pleased at what the students presented. We’d like to thank West College Scotland for making everyone feel very welcome today.’

For more information on our Beauty, Nail & Complementary Therapy courses starting this August click here.