Talented trio make it a clean sweep at World Skills competition

The trio picked up Gold, Silver and Bronze awards for their performance at the Aromatherapy and Reflexology Regional heats which took place at the NEC, Birmingham.

Reflexology student Wendi Magee, from Downpatrick won first place in the Reflexology category, while classmate Melanie Marshall, from Lisburn achieved second spot.

Meanwhile Aromatherapy student Heather Sythes from Belfast impressed judges with her skill and technique to take home Bronze in her discipline.

Throughout the one day competition the talented trio were required to demonstrate their level of skill in a range of disciplines under the watchful eye of the judges. 

Each competitor was marked against set criteria for each task. Marks were awarded in a range of areas including client consultation, health and safety and aftercare advice.

The top ten highest scoring competitors across all heats will be invited to compete at the UK final in autumn 2012. Winners from here may then go on to join the list of students from the UK vying for a place to represent Team UK at WorldSkills in Leipzig in 2013.

Ken Webb, Principal and Chief Executive at SERC said: “World skills UK has given the young people, embarking upon their careers, the opportunity to showcase their skills. All our students who entered the competition worked really hard and have done SERC and the Beauty Therapy Department proud.”
Linda Duffy, Head of School for Hair, Beauty and Skills for Life commented; “The competition attracted the very best beauty students from across the province. This high level of success is a tremendous achievement and is a testament to the hard work and dedication of both staff and students throughout the year.

“I would like to extend my congratulations the students and also their tutor Colleen Cairns. All three students have demonstrated a natural talent and I have no doubt they will have a bright future ahead of them.”