Hairdressing apprentices from Bolton College proved that they’re cream of the ‘crop’, after taking part in a competition to recognise their outstanding skills and abilities.

Held in association with popular hair brand, Wella Professional, the Hairdressing Apprenticeship Competition took place on Tuesday 2 July, within Bolton College’s professional hair and beauty salon – The Academy.

Level 2 and Level 3 work-based apprentices, from salons across the local area, gathered to put their skills and abilities to the test. The apprentices were tasked with creating hairstyles and cuts themed around either the Olympics or the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. 

First place for the Level 2 entries went to Alex Lee, 17, who is an apprentice at the ‘Cuttin’ it’ salon. Christina Watson, 18, from Jiggy’s salon claimed the top spot for the Level 3 entries. 

Bolton College hairdressing curriculum leader, Sarah Bleackley, said: “This was a fantastic event that celebrated our apprentices’ outstanding skills, with a very current twist, honouring both the Jubilee year and the Olympics. Both the salons involved and the apprentices are to be congratulated on their hard work.”

Apprentices train in working salon environments and offer treatments and styling to the general public under the careful guidance and supervision of professional hairdressers and experienced lecturers. 

Bolton College hairdressing apprentice and competition winner, Christina Watson, 18, said: “It was a great way for all of us to get together and showcase our talents. It was a fierce, but friendly competition and so much fun to see the other apprentices’ creations.”

The college’s purpose-built academies in Bolton and Farnworth are equipped with state-of-the-art training and commercial salons. The Deane Road academy is a ‘Wella Professional’ Centre of Excellence – an accreditation only awarded to institutions that are achieving the highest standards of training and demonstrating excellent links with the industry.

For more information about the range of hairdressing and barbering courses on offer at the college, please visit www.boltoncollege.ac.uk.