Students reach national qualifiers

Four Telford College students are just one step away from competing in the UK finals of a global ‘skills olympics’ competition.

Hairdresser Cerys Evans, beauty student Esme Adams, and health and social care duo Annabelle Collins and Vincent Faulkner have all made it through to the national qualifiers of this year’s WorldSkills contest.

It’s an extra special achi.evement for Cerys and Esme, who are the first hair and beauty students from Telford College to make it this far in the competition.

Cerys will be competing in her national qualifier at Dudley College on June 12, one day after Esme takes on her challenge in Wrexham. Annabelle and Vincent will travel to Nuneaton for their competition on June 24.

WorldSkills UK is dedicated to raising skills in apprenticeship and technical education by sharing international best practice and taking part in real life, industry-based scenarios designed by employers.   

Top performers compete against each other for an opportunity to become part of Team UK on a global stage.  

Cerys, 18, a former student of Idsall School in Shifnal, said: “I’ve got to create three different looks at the national qualifier – bridal, cut and dye. It’s going to be a great experience, but there’s also a lot of pressure. It’s really good though, for my plans to work in a salon as a hair colour specialist.”

Cerys, who is now in her third year at Telford College, said: “It’s been really good. The teachers are great, and the salon facilities are immaculate. It is brilliant to have somewhere so good, which is so close to home for me.”

Vincent, 20, who hopes to become an occupational therapist, originally signed up for a transition to T-level course before graduating onto a health and social care T-level.

He said: “I signed up to WorldSkills because I believe it is an opportunity for me to grow and to put myself out there.

“I struggle with my confidence a lot, but I signed up to prove myself wrong and try to overcome my mental barriers. I believe this competition and the T-level course is helping me to overcome those barriers so I can be more confident in who I am as a person.”

Former Telford Park School student Annabelle, 17, added: “I signed up for WorldSkills because I wanted to challenge myself, build my confidence, and develop skills that will help me in a future healthcare career.

“I think it’s teaching me important skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and staying calm in stressful situations, which are all important in the health sector.” 

And former Idsall School student Esme, who is a student ambassador at Telford College, said: “I’m very excited to have made it to the national qualifiers. The competition is giving me incredibly valuable experience, and boosting my communication skills too.

“I’ve always wanted a career in beauty. My aunt has her own business in Lilleshall, which has inspired me. I’m really enjoying my time at Telford College and have made some really good friends.”

WorldSkills competitions are designed by industry experts to help young people grow personally and professionally by developing their technical and employability skills.

National finalists will be announced in July, and invited to take part in the UK finals which are being held in South Wales in November. Some of the national winners may also be invited to take part in the selection process to represent Team UK in the global WorldSkills international competition, taking place in Japan in 2028.

Pictured: Cerys Evans