Shropshire college pair bag gold and silver
Two Visage Beauty therapy students from Walford and North Shropshire College 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 .
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 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 when Cherida was revealed as the gold medallist and winner of the category 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 said: "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 said: "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.
