Gold, Silver & Bronze at WorldSkills UK National Finals!

Talented Nail, Beauty and Media Makeup students from Riverside College are celebrating after taking home Gold, Silver and Bronze medals at the WorldSkills UK LIVE National Finals; the UK’s largest skills, apprenticeships and careers event.

The National Finals, held at the NEC Birmingham, saw more than 500 competitors test their skills in 70 different fields. Nail student Chloe Woolliscroft, beauty student Destiny Fryer and media makeup student Emma Littler competed against students representing colleges from around the nation to prove they are the best in the country in their disciplines.

Along with displaying the technical skills they have developed during their course at Riverside College, the girls had to demonstrate a professional demeanour, follow safe working practices, have a professional attitude, have effective interaction with the client and use effective time management.

After an intense competition judged on strict criteria, nail student Chloe Woolliscroft took home the Nail Technician Gold medal, beauty student Destiny Fryer gained a Beauty Therapy: Hands and Face Silver medal and media makeup student Emma Littler took the Fashion and Photographic Make-Up Bronze medal, an incredible achievement.

To achieve the gold medal, Chloe Woolliscroft had 8 hours to complete a series of technical nail treatments including; pedicure, gel manicure, gel manicure removal, commercial nail art, nail extensions, French manicure and freestyle nail art. Following the tough competition, she said, “I was shocked but really happy when I heard my name called out as gold medal winner. The sta¬ff at Riverside are amazing and so supportive. I wouldn’t have reached this far without them.”

Destiny Fryer, from Warrington, had 3 hours to complete a mini manicure, a mini pedicure, a mini facial, evening makeup with strip lashes and eyebrow and eyelash tinting. She said, “I was really surprised but very pleased to have won a silver medal at such a big competition. It was worth all of the hard work and preparation I had put in.”

Emma Littler, from Widnes, was tasked with completing a full overall image within 1 hour and 30 minutes for the Fashion & Photographic Makeup competition. This included hair, makeup, a mood board, props and costume. She commented, “The competition was very challenging but the support I received at college really helped me to prepare. My tutors have been outstanding and I was absolutely delighted to win the bronze medal.”

Lyn Rhodes, Head of the Centre of Excellence for Hair, Beauty, Nails and Media Makeup said, “This was an amazing event for everyone involved. We are very proud of the incredible achievements our students have made at this prestigious competition. Chloe, Destiny and Emma have worked very hard throughout the year in preparation and it really paid off. The girls displayed great creativity and professionalism throughout; they are a credit to Riverside College.”