East Durham College is pleased to announce continued success at the Association of Hair and Therapy (AHT) 2018 national competition after student Suzanne Woodward won a third place prize in barbering.
Suzanne, 27, from Peterlee, competed against 22 other competitors at the prestigious competition. Students had just 30 minutes to complete a ‘Cut and Style’ on their models, where hair had to be removed from every part of the head and students were judged on technique, style and speed.
In early February, Suzanne placed first in the AHT Regional competitions in Gateshead, earning the right to compete at the annual National competition which is held in the Winter Gardens in Blackpool.
Suzanne was thrilled to receive her bronze medal. She said: “This is only my second ever competition – I was really happy to just win at the regionals! It’s amazing to come third out of everyone in the country and I hope to do even better at my next competition!”
Currently studying Level 3 Barbering at East Durham College, Suzanne came late into the barbering industry after previously taking courses in Performing Arts, then moving on to work as a personal trainer.
“I accidentally fell into barbering after wanting a change from my previous career,” Suzanne added. “I went to Saks to complete my Level 2 barbering course, then decided to come to EDC to complete my Level 3 course because the college is one of the only places around the region that gives students the chance to compete in competitions and I’m very competitive!”
Many students from East Durham College’s barbering course complete work experience at businesses around the North East. Suzanne works at Skins and Needles in Middlesbrough, where she continues to hone her craft as she works toward her Level 3 qualification.
Alison Scattergood, who teaches Barbering and Hairdressing Techniques at East Durham College, said: “Congratulations to Suzanne and all of the students who competed in the competition this year. To come third is a remarkable achievement, and I’m sure Suzanne will go on to even bigger and better things in the future.”
