Six talented hairdressing students from Southern Regional College’s (SRC) Newry campus are gathering kit bag essentials as they head to compete in the regional qualifiers for WorldSkills UK later this month.

After successfully completing the initial entry stage assessment, which challenged entrants to create a fashionable festival-inspired look for long hair, the six students were shortlisted to progress to the next round of the prestigious competition. This year marks the first time the College has had six students from one campus progress to the regional competition.

The regional qualifiers will take place on Thursday 28th May in Derry/Londonderry at North West Regional College. There, students are expected to be part of a group of 15 top emerging hairdressing students from across Northern Ireland vying for a position in the UK national finals.

SRC students competing are:

  • Aoife Hanna (19) from Kilkeel - currently working at Shade Hairdressing, Kilkeel
  • Kayla Larkin (19) from Mullaghbawn - currently working at Thee One Hair Salon, Warrenpoint
  • Ella McMahon (20) from Bessbrook - currently working at Hair by Tracy Smyth, Whitecross
  • Niamh Boyle (18) from Warrenpoint - currently working at Michelle Mallon Hair and Beauty, Meigh
  • Aoife O’Malley (20) from Newtownhamilton - currently working at Studio Quinn Hair, Old Dublin Road, Newry
  • Matthew McMullan (18) from Dromintee - currently working at Haus of Hair, Camlough

During the qualifier, competitors will complete two demanding live assessments designed to test both their technical precision and creative styling ability. These include a ladies’ long hair bridal styling challenge, completed within one hour and 30 minutes, followed by a cut, colour and styling test lasting three hours.

Scores from all stages of the competition will be combined to determine which students progress to the national finals of WorldSkills UK. While results for the regional winners will be announced on the date, those heading to the national finals won’t be known until mid-July, following the conclusion of all regional finals.

Caroline O’Neill, lecturer at Southern Regional College commented:

“Reaching this stage of the competition is a huge achievement for all students and a real reflection of the time, effort and creativity they put into their work every day. Competitions like WorldSkills UK push students outside their comfort zones and provide them with valuable experience in a professional, high-pressure environment. We’re incredibly proud of how far they’ve come already and excited to see their progress as they represent SRC, their employers and themselves at this upcoming regional competition.”