Students from Newcastle College were the big winners at the Association of Hairdressers and Therapists (AHT) national competition, held in Blackpool in May.

The prestigious annual competition brought together the top hair and beauty students from across the UK to showcase their skills, and Newcastle College students achieved five podium finishes, returning home with two golds, one silver and one bronze.

The title for ‘Best Region’ also went to the North East, and the judges commented that the standard of work from the students in the region was impeccable.

Lindsay Gaskill, Teaching, Learning and Assessment Coach at Newcastle College and AHT Chair and Competition Director / Coordinator of the Regional AHT competitions, said: "Competitions are key to student progression. They are an important opportunity for our students to develop their skillset and stretch themselves to demonstrate they can succeed in industry and are work-ready, so employers look for this experience.”

The students’ finished looks were judged by industry experts including WorldSkills UK senior judge Robert Rousseau; Graham Smith, Director at Graham Daniels salon; Marie Scroggins, Ex ND Make-Up Director and Andi Hayes from King B barbers in Middlesbrough.

Level 2 Make-up and Media Make-up student Jake Fowler won gold for his 'Glamorous Drag' entry (pictured, above left). He said: “It felt great to win! Excelling at something you enjoy is always great, and it feels even better when you win against a group of people from across the whole nation. I love makeup and I love challenging myself. I find with competing in these competitions I push myself to my full potential, show my skills and take pride in my work.”

Also studying the Level 2 Make-up and Media Make-up course, Layla Hickey won gold for her entry in the 'Bridal Make-up' category (pictured, above right). She said: “I was so nervous when I first saw how big the competition hall was. There were so many people competing that when they called out the second-place winner, I thought that meant I hadn’t placed. So when they called my name out for first place, I couldn’t believe it! It was the best feeling ever.”

GOLD

  • Jake Fowler – Glamorous Drag
  • Layla Hickey – Bridal Make-up

SILVER

  • Thomas Boden – Gender Transformation

BRONZE

  • Jess Miller – Editorial Make-up

FOURTH PLACE

  • Thomas Boden – Editorial Make-up

Find out more about Hair, Beauty and Make-up courses at Newcastle College