8 of the WorldSkills UK Hairdressing Finals this November 👏
Reaching the national finals is a huge achievement and places Alwena among the very best student hairdressers in the UK. Her commitment, resilience and passion for the industry truly set her apart.
Why This Is Such an Achievement
Reaching the final 8 of WorldSkills UK is an outstanding accomplishment. It demonstrates:
- Advanced technical skill
- Professional discipline
- Time management under pressure
- Creativity and resilience
- Commitment beyond the classroom
Alwena has represented our college with professionalism and determination, and we couldn’t be prouder of everything she has achieved.
The future is incredibly bright ✂️✨
What Alwena had to say about her journey;
“My WorldSkills journey actually started as a bit of fun in a lesson — creating a hairstyle using twists and curls — with absolutely no idea what it would lead to!
I was so excited to find out I had qualified for the regional stage. We travelled to Stoke-on-Trent for the second round, which included three intense tests all completed in one day. A few of us from college were competing, so we supported each other through the nerves and the pressure.
After the judges deliberated, we were able to receive feedback. Mine included lots of positives and only minor areas to improve — so when they announced my name as the winner, I was genuinely shocked and so proud.
I then had to wait a few months to find out if my score was high enough to make the final 8. In August, I received the email confirming I had qualified for the national finals — and that’s when the real training began!
I had three months to prepare for five tests across two days. Training was intense, especially while juggling two jobs and being a parent, but I had amazing support from my family and tutors.
During training, I developed new technical skills, including razor cutting and using pre-pigmentation when colouring hair. I’ve since been able to apply these skills in the salon, which has increased both my confidence and my client base.
Travelling to Newport for the finals was an incredible experience. We met Richard from L’Oréal Professionnel and the judging team, as well as the other finalists and their tutors. It was inspiring to meet so many talented competitors who were all feeling the same nerves!
The competition days were chaotic, exhausting and full of adrenaline. Cutting is my strongest area, so I felt most confident during those tests, while the colour and styling challenges pushed me further outside my comfort zone.
When I received my feedback, I was proud to hear there was nothing I had done wrong — although the judges said I had ‘played it a bit safe’. For me, that was valuable advice. It’s something I can take forward into future competitions — pushing myself creatively while staying true to my style.
Although I didn’t take home a medal, the awards ceremony was unforgettable. The whole experience has fuelled my ambition to enter as many competitions as possible during my time at college.”
