D&A Hosts AHT Scottish Regional Competition

On Wednesday 27th March, over 300 competitors from seven colleges across Scotland came together at the recently constructed state-of-the-art Hair & Beauty School. This brand-new, purpose-built facility provides training in everything from cuts and colour, manicures and pedicures, waxing, spray tans, and facials.

Marion Maine, Director of AHT, said:
“This is my last year with the competitions, and what a year! To host it at Dundee and Angus College has been incredible. The staff have pulled together something amazing, and the standard of work in the competitions has been outstanding.”

The competition was a colourful display of creativity, innovation, and skill, featuring a diverse range of categories such as Fantasy Hairdressing, Bridal Hair Styling, Glamorous Drag Make-Up Style, Barbering, Nail Art, and Caribbean Carnival Themed Hair and Make-Up.

Dundee and Angus College were proud to host the competition for the first time. The entire Hair, Beauty, and Complementary Therapies Team at the College worked tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly.

Debbie Donaldson, Curriculum and Quality Leader at Dundee and Angus College, said:
“As a team, we are very passionate about the students we teach and giving them this platform to showcase their skills against other colleges throughout Scotland and the UK. This allows them to build confidence and showcase what they can do, which is a great asset to any potential employer, as it shows they can work under pressure. Today has just been amazing. I have loved having the buzz on campus and seeing how proud the team is of their students.”

The competition showcased the talent and dedication of college students from across Scotland, including Glasgow, Ayrshire, Lanarkshire, Inverness, West Lothian, Edinburgh, Dundee and Angus.

Melissa Finlayson, a level three Barbering student at Dundee and Angus College, said:
“I did a competition last year, and fantasy was what I really wanted to do, so this year I really wanted to go for it, and that is what inspired me to do this competition. It means so much to take part in the competition because it gives you the chance to push yourself and to advertise yourself and what skills you have. It means so much; I have put loads into it, loads of effort, but it is worth it as I love to compete.”

Showcasing their skills, students from Dundee and Angus College won seven first-place, two second-place, and three third-place prizes. Carrie Wilson, a student from D&A, received the Overall Outstanding Student Award, which was a new category added this year and voted by all the competition judges. These achievements highlight that D&A students are a cut above.

Winners from the Scottish Regional heat go through to the 2024 National Final in Blackpool in May.