A Belfast hairdressing student is this week competing in the finals of the Worldskills UK Intermediate Hairdressing competition which will take place at the NEC in Birmingham.
Patrick McCartan, a mature NVQ Level 3 student in women’s hairdressing at Belfast Metropolitan College’s Whiterock Campus will compete against 15 other finalists in the three-day event which ends tomorrow.
During that time Patrick will participate in the opening ceremony and undertake an eight-hour assessment of skill, an unseen hair colour process and cut, as well as a long hair up-style in the second phase of the competition.
Patrick won through to this stage of the competition when he claimed the honours in the regional finals in Solihull where 30 students competed for the final 15 places for the Worldskills UK title.
On completing his course at the Met Patrick hopes to work as a session stylist for photo shoots, events and media and has undertaken two work experience projects at the college’s Titanic Belfast fashion show and styling Titanic-era dancers as part of Land of the Giants event.
Said his tutor Tanya Heaslip: “This is a fabulous achievement and this is the first time we have entered a student into this competition. Patrick excelled at all three preliminary stages to achieve this fantastic result and opportunity. It also demonstrates the wealth of talent the college’s salons can offer our patrons.”
Speaking about the competition Patrick said: “I’ve been getting in plenty of practice at the college and my tutors have been incredibly supportive. My preparations have focussed on simulating the competition environment to ensure I am as methodical and time efficient as possible in my creations. I am really excited about the prospect of competing and have researched previous competition winners. I’m really looking forward to it; bring on Birmingham!”
Belfast Metropolitan College operates hair and beauty salons that are open to the public at both the Whiterock and Titanic Quarter Campuses. For further information or to book a hair or beauty treatment call 028 9026 5012 or email urbanescape@belfastmet.ac.uk.