In April six students from Hartlepool College of Further Education were entered into the World Skills Hairdressing competitions and three were chosen to go through to the second stage. This took place on Monday 18th June in Birmingham, the students went through a full day of cutting, colouring, styling and designing their individual looks and displayed excellent practical skills throughout.

The College's Head of School for Hairdressing Paul Wilson said, "We were delighted when Charlotte Clements was awarded gold, the top score for this event and was closely followed by Katie Bird. They have both been invited to take part in the final competition in Birmingham NEC in November and we are so proud of them. This is a fantastic opportunity for the students to further display their creative skills and be part of the World Skills team."

Charlotte began her journey at Hartlepool College when she left school and joined the hairdressing summer school, she then progressed from Level 1 to gain an apprenticeship to complete her Level 2 qualification. Her Tutor Andrea Anderson said, "Charlotte displayed fabulous practical skills during her Level 3 qualification and she was involved in every competition throughout the year. She modelled for the Yorkshire Championships in Halifax last November where she displayed excellent team work." Charlotte is currently self employed as a freelance stylist and gaining clients on a weekly basis.

Katie gained work experience from school with Poppys and continued her apprenticeship there whist studying at Hartlepool College. She was also named Level 3 Apprentice of the year at a recent awards event. Katie is now a full time stylist in Poppys salon in Hartlepool. Janice Auton, owner of Poppys went on to say, "We knew Katie was talented and she has proved us right. It was such an experience for her and we are so proud of her. We wish her all the best in the final in November."

Michael Bretherick, Principal and Chief Executive at Hartlepool College commented, "Ultimately we want to put a competitor in Team UK, we are already having success in regional and national competitions and the College is now leading the North East in developing inter-college events much like we do already in sport - this is expected to increase the level of skill, allow teams of students to compete and encourage the competitive ethos required to make the national squad while also enjoying being part of a college team."