A second stylish finish for talented hairdresser

A Coleg y Cymoedd alumni from Trelewis has made it through to the final of a UK-wide skills competition for the second year running. She will once again demonstrate her passion for hairdressing at the nation’s largest skills event.

Ashleigh Simmons, a previous learner at the Nantgarw campus, achieved first place at the Welsh regional finals, earning herself a place amongst 30 others from across the UK to go through to the WorldSkills UK Final which is being held in Birmingham.

Ashleigh also represented the college as a student last year at the World Skills finals, gaining third place in the national final.

Having safely secured her place in the final for a second time from over 1000 initial entrants, Ashleigh is now in the process of preparing for the four day competition, organised by L’Oréal Professional Product.

The competition will involve three stages over four days, with learners demonstrating competencies including including ladies cut and colour following a picture, gents modern cut colour and patterning, gents long hair styling, bridal style and ladies day style on long hair to ensure they possess the main skills of a qualified hairdresser.

The winner will be announced at an awards evening at the end of the fourth day. If placed in the top three, Ashleigh will earn herself a place representing the UK at WorldSkills in Abu Dhabi in 2017.

Ashleigh, 19 from Trelewis, who hopes to one day work as a hair stylist on cruise ships, said “It is fantastic to be taking part in WorldSkills for a second time, each stage of the competition has improved my confidence, taught me new skills and helped me adapt to a pressurised situation. It is always a nerve wracking experience but I have had great support from my college tutors, both when I was studying at the college and since I have completed my course.”

WorldSkills UK plays a key role in raising esteem of learners and inspiring young people to explore further education, skills and Apprenticeships.

Tracey Evans, head of Hair and Beauty at Coleg y Cymoedd, said: “We’re extremely proud of Ashleigh for achieving such fantastic results at the Welsh regional finals for the second year in a row.

She has the talent, skills and dedication compete at this UK wide event where the calibre will be really high, and we wish her all the best at the final.”

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