Cherida and Natalie Win Gold and Silver at UK Skills Final

Oswestry, United Kingdom, November 20, 2014 --(PR.com)-- Two Visage Beauty Therapy students from Walford and North Shropshire College (WNSC) recently attended the UK final of the World Skills Competition at the NEC Arena in Birmingham. Cherida Lauriello and Natalie Powles made it through the regional heats earlier in the year to win their place in the final which took place on Thursday 13th November.

The UK final of the World Skills Show brings together students from Colleges and Academies all over the country. Many vocational areas are included within the show, and the Visage Hair and Beauty Department were represented within the Aromatherapy Section.

The students had to perform an Aromatherapy Massage for an hour and a half under the watchful eye of the judges. There were ten UK finalists within the Category and the girls came up against fierce competition from students from much bigger colleges and private academies. The winners from each vocational area were announced at a formal celebration evening on Saturday the 15th of November at Birmingham’s LG Arena. Natalie, Cherida and the Visage Hair and Beauty staff went to the awards ceremony and nervously awaited the outcome.

The staff and students were over the moon when Natalie’s name was called out as the silver medallist, they were cheering and celebrating and then Cherida was revealed as the gold medallist and winner of the category and the whole table erupted again. Cherida said of her win, "I am absolutely delighted! It’s amazing to know I am number one in the UK for Aromatherapy. I feel fulfilled and that all my hard work has paid off." Natalie said of her silver medal, "It’s been an honour to have the opportunity to represent the College and my business. It’s been a brilliant experience. I work really hard to show my dedication and professionalism in my work and I am pleased the judges recognised this."

Sharon Cooper, Head of Commercial Services commented, "This is an outstanding result for the students to win both gold and silver and be the top two out of the whole of the UK. Credit needs to go the students, and the staff who have given their dedication and commitment to support the girls throughout the competition."

Amy Conde is Course Leader for the Level 3 Spa course and commented, "It has been a pleasure to teach and work with the girls throughout the competition. I am really proud that they got the gold and silver, the whole department is thrilled to bits!"

Cherida and Natalie were both Level 3 Beauty Spa Therapy students at the College and completed their qualification this summer. They have both gone on to own their own business. Cherida’s business is called, ‘Lauriello Lifestyle’ and is currently located in the Hair Boutique in Wrexham. Natalie’s business is called ‘Ciao Bella’ and is within Base Camp in Ellesmere. Natalie plans to offer hairdressing in the near future and is currently studying her level 2 Hairdressing qualification at WNSC.

If you are inspired by this story and would like to be a part of the Visage Department in September 2015, you can apply now for hair and beauty courses at WNSC. Visit the website at www.wnsc.ac.uk or call the Admissions Team on 01691 688080.