Students at Bath College have proved how they can work to industry standards in an annual competition that puts their employability skills to the test.
City of Bath College’s annual hair, beauty and complementary therapy competition saw more than 100 Level 1, 2 and 3 students showcasing their skills under timed conditions.
Students impressed the panel of professional judges by demonstrating their ability to work under pressure throughout the all-day challenge.
The competition, which is part of the students’ coursework portfolio, aims to boost their confidence and creativity skills.
Trainee hairdressers had to prove they were a cut above the rest by cutting and styling the hair of clients.
Students entered different hair categories such as a gent’s cut, a ladies commercial cut and blow dry, as well as the more creative high fashion colour, avant garde, and ladies prom/evening style.
The hairdressing judges were Darrell and Vincent Czapelka from Altered Image hair salon in Clifton, Bristol.
Darrell said: “The standard of work is excellent; the students’ really know what they are doing.
“The competition timetable covers the type of everyday expectations for any salon so it’s a great industry-level competition.
“Students will be prepared for the types of things people will come into a salon for; with this experience these students will go far.”
Vincent added that the standard of students’ work had increased over the five or so years they had been judging the competition.
He said: “Each year we are blown away by how talented the students are.
“We have seen some of the students progressing from Level 1 to Level 3 so we literally see them improving each year; they are getting better and better.
“This year we have noticed that the ‘clients’ are very knowledgeable about what the students have done to their hair. We’re pleased to see that communication is also being used so well.”
Meanwhile it was a race against the clock for complementary therapy students to carry out treatments such as hot stone massages and reflexology.
Judges Angela Bonner and Vanessa Lowes from the Thermae Bath Spa graded the students on criteria including appearance, client care, technique and hygiene.
Angela said they were proud to work in partnership with the College as they’d employed several former students at the Thermae Bath Spa.
She said: “The students’ work is very good; they work to a very high standard.
“It’s not easy to work under pressure but the students cope really well and it’s great experience for their working future.”
