The MOST Spring/Summer 2021

ELEVEN LEARNERS HEAD INTO THE CONCEPT HAIR LEARNER OF THE YEAR FINAL! Preston’s College are delighted that not one but eleven of our hairdressing and barbering learners have made it into this year’s Concept Hair Learner of the Year 2021 competition grand finale. The competition, aimed at providing the next generation of hairdressers and barbers with the chance to be recognised for their hard work and skills, is a national competition, open to all learners in the UK. This year, despite a large part of learning being predominantly remote, over 1000 applicants entered the national competition, across a total of eight different categories, including barbering, hairstyling, hair up and avant-garde. From the initial 1,000 applicants, six hairdressing learners and five barbering learners from Preston’s College have now reached the final of the competition. Commenting on her achievements so far, adult barbering learner, Sarah said: “The sense of pride in reaching the final has given me a new feeling. I would advise anyone considering entering the competition next year to go for it! Whether you are shortlisted, win or just complete a submission, the participation in a large scale, national competition teaches you so much.” Level 2 Hairdressing learner, Katie, added: “Just reaching the final is a dream come true for me! Since I was 4 years old I have always wanted to do hair. To be shortlisted from such a large number of applicants is a massive achievement but to win would be absolutely amazing. To anyone considering entering the competition next year, I’d say go for it! Until you enter, you never know how far you’ll go.” Speaking about the achievements of their learners, Barbering Tutor, Julie, said: “To be shortlisted from 1,000 applicants is a huge achievement for all of our learners and the College, particularly in what has been a very tough year for many people. I am extremely proud of them all; their drive and determination throughout the process has shone, with external competitions such as this providing real opportunity to try something new and produce work that goes above and beyond course content. Each learner really has put their heart and soul into this competition and those shortlisted have inspired their peers.” With Level 2 Hairdressing Tutor, Mandy, adding: “I am extremely excited to have so many hairdressing learners in this year’s final, especially in the current climate. Remote learning has meant the learners have had to be more independent, spending quite a lot of time learning from home but they have still managed to pull together some great pieces. I am very proud. The competition is a great confidence boost for each learner and shows both them and their peers what they are capable of achieving both now and in the future.” (left to right) Harriet Creighton-Levis – Assistant Head of Community, Tom Drake – Head of Community, Lis Smith - Principal and CEO and Mick Noblett - Vice Principal | 13 Alisha’s, Jasmine’s and Katie’s work