PHOTOSHOOT

Coatbridge College Hairdressing student John O’Hara is thrilled at achieving a Highly Commended Award at the WorldSkillsUK Hairdressing Competition Final in London.
John, who has just achieved his level 6 NC hairdressing award and is returning to college in August to gain his Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Hairdressing, is now ranked forth in the UK for advanced hairdressing skills in men’s creative haircutting and ladies long hairstyling.
WorldSkillsUK are annual competitions run regionally then nationally to encourage people across the country to excel in their vocational skill. The hairdressing competition is one of WorldSkillsUK’s largest events and this year over 300 young people competed in regional heats across Scotland, England and Ireland for a place in the final of the Advanced Hairdressing Category.

This was John’s first attempt at this level of competition and through his hard work and dedication beat of stiff competition to be one of only 15 competitors to be invited to compete at the final in L’Oreal Hammersmith.
A “Highly Commended” is awarded in recognition of the high marks achieved by a competitor who narrowly misses out on a medal place.
John commented;
“At 26 I decided I wanted a career change from working in pubs and restaurants and began studying hairdressing 2 years ago as I always wanted to be a hairdresser and heard that Coatbridge College had the best hairdressing department in Scotland so I was overjoyed when I got accepted.
Entering WorldSkills was an amazing experience which gave me the chance to showcase my skills and creativity and winning 1st place in the Scottish heats was unbelievable.
To be awarded a Highly Commended award in my first WorldSkills competition and be ranked 4th in the UK is an unbelievable achievement which I couldn’t have done without the support of the staff and my fellow students at the College.”

Donna Brogan, Extended Lecturer for Hairdressing and Make up Artistry at Coatbridge College, said:
“John’s success is a shining example of what can be achieved if you have passion for what you do and the drive and determination to be the best that you can be. As well as talent he has a fabulous personality and during both competitions offered support and encouragement to his fellow competitors which earned him great respect from all.
His success and experience in London has resulted in John gaining vital contacts and building relationships which could have a very positive influence on his future career.
We are all extremely proud of John; he is a great ambassador for the college and we wish him the best of luck for the future.”

Winning look!

The pressure's on!

Highly Commended Award!