The WorldSkills UK Competitions which were hosted in Birmingham on 16-19 November saw almost 600 trainees and apprentices compete in public to win a coveted place representing the UK on the international stage.

Kathryn who was placed first in the Beauty Hands and Face category in the Regional Heats in June at our Greenock Campus was put forward to showcase her skills once again - and compete for the coveted GOLD award.

Kathryn said, ‘There was a much wider category of skills to showcase in the final competition such as full leg waxing, underarm and pedicure treatments. It was stressful working over two competition days, but at the same time it was a totally different experience. On the Thursday morning I had to go register, and that day started with full leg/ underarm/ eyebrow wax alongside an eyelash tint. I was timed at 2hr 20 mins. On the second day my morning session included a pedicure with red polish, and a manicure with French polish. I had a quick break and then took the facial and evening make-up look in the afternoon.

All in all, Kathryn’s competition time on day two totalled 4 hours. Kathryn said, ‘ The whole process was so exciting, but very exhausting too. The good thing was a girl from my class was my model so that made me a bit more relaxed.’

Kathryn who was up against six other competitors from all over the UK on the day for the Gold title couldn’t quite believe that she’d won Gold.

She said, ‘I was shocked when it was announced at the award ceremony. They went through all the silver and bronze categories first. So you were waiting to see if you have Gold or nothing - that was nerve racking not knowing.’

Wendy Sheridan-Price, Curriculum Quality Leader for Beauty said,

We want to say how very proud we all are of Kathryn. For Kathryn to win the Worldskills UK regionals, hosted by WCS, as well as bringing home Gold from the Worldskills UK a national is a great achievement.  The focus and determination was evident. The preparation as well as the skill shown by Kathryn was to the very highest of standards throughout. We’d like to thank all the staff who supported Kathryn on her journey.

Kathryn added, ‘My course really prepared me for the competition. I had to put in a lot of extra work - staying behind class and coming in on days off. I did a lot of research about what to expect as I was the first West College Scotland Beauty Student to get through to finals. Now going ahead I’d be able to give more details to pass onto other beauty competitors.’ 

When talking to Kathryn about her course at the College she was happy to tell us that her course had prepared her for the competition, but also cemented her aspirations for her future career choice. Kathryn added, ‘I became a mum quite young and it was only when the kids all went to school that I decided this was what I wanted to get into. I’d always been interested in Beauty Therapy and had done some work experience in a salon when I was younger.’

After completing the HND next Year Kathryn has indicated she may like to teach – and that she would like to be her own boss. She added, ‘After the competition, Worldskills got in touch and invited me to join their team to talk to other schools about competition, so I might consider doing something along those lines – it’s nice to have options.’

Wendy added, ‘Our hope is to have Kathryn's achievements inspire other students to participate in competition. Kathryn has a bright future within the beauty industry.’

If you’d be keen to start your Beauty Therapy journey at West College Scotland – then you’re in luck! In January we are accepting applications for Begin Beauty Therapy, available at our Clydebank, Greenock and Paisley Campuses. Click here to browse our courses.