NCG's annual Skills Competition has opened an exciting opportunity for Lewisham College's Level 1 and 2 Hairdressing and Beauty learners. The competition's first rounds of heats were a chance for the learners to showcase their acquired skills and put their knowledge to the test in a practical, fun, and exciting way. This platform not only allowed the participants to display their expertise but also provided them with the opportunity to progress to the next stage of the competition.
The hairdressing learners demonstrated their skills in creating a curly blow-dry and a current 'Bridal Hair Up' look, while the beauty learners exhibited their talent by completing an evening makeup look and a mini manicure. The competition judged the learners on health and safety, technique, styling, and dressing. The winners and runners-up, who will move on to the next stage of the competition, are Maria Fernanda Vigoya Palacio, Mihaela Blaguta, Zahra Stanikzai, and Yalda Faizi.
Competing in the heats has helped the learners build their confidence and push themselves to step out of their comfort zones.
Sumayyah Kansoy, a Level 3 Hairdressing learner, said: "Competing in the NCG Skills competition heats has brought out my confidence. I am pleased to have had the opportunity to put myself out there and test my skills and knowledge. Even though it was a competition, seeing my classmates' work and learning from each other was nice."
Jamie Stevenson, Principal at Lewisham College, said: “It is fantastic to see how many learners were keen to get involved and step out of their comfort zone. The confidence these types of competitions give our learners is invaluable, and we are hopeful they can use this in their professional and personal lives.
“We look forward to hosting the final NCG Skills Competition at Lewisham College in February and are excited to highlight and celebrate the talent of all learners from within all NCG colleges.”
The competition was created by NCG to shine a light on the vital skills of industries badly hit by the pandemic and to give students the opportunity to get practical work experience, grow their practical skills, and develop their employability skills by interacting with employers. This year’s final will be held at our Lewisham Way and Deptford Bridge campuses on Wednesday 7 February 2024.
To learn more about our Hair and Beauty courses, please visit lewisham.ac.uk/hair-and-beauty.
