Lee Stafford Education holds the annual National Hairdressing Competition for their Lee Stafford Academies which is usually held at the L’Oreal headquarters in London but due to the impact of Covid-19, the event had to be adapted to allow aspiring hairdressers the same opportunity as previous years.
It was transformed to digital photo shoot competition which had huge benefits, leaners that may not have had the confidence to enter previously stretch and challenged their selves to step out of their comfort zone and enter.
Following the success of the competition in May 2019 when ‘The Lee Stafford Academy’ at North Kent College was awarded Lee Stafford Education College of the Year. It was only right for the Hair team to encourage all learners to participate and with 66 students entered the College provided practice time and the opportunity to photograph and submit their entries.
Lee Stafford Academies were sent the photo shoot brief for the following categories
Styling Level 2 & 3, Cutting and Styling Level 2 and Cutting & Styling Level 3.
All photographs were judged anonymously and independently - judges were unable to see the entrant’s names and which college they attend, all photographs were displayed in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each category.
Holly McGillicuddy, current North Kent College apprentice working at Salon 167 won 1st Place in Styling said “When I watched the video and saw my name pop up it was really surprising to see as everyone done so incredibly well in the competition. I’m extremely pleased and excited to have won the LSE competition and glad I took part for the experience.”
Sophie Robinson, current Level 1 student at Dartford campus won 2nd place she said, “When entering the competition, I felt like I needed to try my best as it was something I really wanted to achieve. When doing my style, I was very excited to see the outcome and how hard work can pay off when you really want something.”
Emily Williams current Level 2 student at Gravesend won 3rd place for Cutting and Styling Level 2 said “I honestly didn't expect to place! But, to come 3rd considering how many people across the country entered has made me so happy and has pushed me to keep going and to work harder. Entering competitions like these whilst in college is so exciting and to place is a huge confidence boost! I encourage anyone studying hairdressing to enter as many as you can as it's a great way to test your skill and keep improving!”
Following the announcements of winners, we spoke with Lee himself who mentioned “With the competition normally hosted in London with various colleges competition against each in large crowds we had to host online, and this didn’t deter the sensational efforts from students and open trainers. I believe it was more inclusive as those who didn’t feel comfortable traveling to London could take part in familiar surroundings – I couldn’t believe the standard and it was exceptional to say the least!”
He continued, “Regardless of if you didn’t win all the benefits are still there - excitement, a chance to improve your work and to show everyone your commitment and passion and most importantly to stand out and get noticed within the industry”
He finished by saying, “Students at North Kent College done brilliant, but this doesn’t come without dedicated trainers that are committed to supporting students and this is apparent when it comes to NKC. Everyone came together, stepped-up and blew me away!”
