East Riding College Student in Prestigious Competition

24th October 2006 10:31am - Return to press releases

Ellen Bytheway, a hairdressing student at East Riding College was one of the finalists in a recent UK Hairdressing Student of the Year Competition which took place in London. Ellen, 34 was nominated by her tutors at the College, to take part in this industry recognised event.

Each year thousands of students submit their portfolios and only 6 are selected to attend the final in London as part of the Salon International Exhibition. Ellen was the only finalist from the Yorkshire region.

Ellen travelled to London with her husband to take part in the event, which comprised of 3 elements. Entrants had to complete; a written portfolio submission, a practical on stage demonstration and a gruelling interview.

As part of the on stage demonstration, Ellen had to cut and colour her models hair prior to the event and then on the day took to the stage with other finalists to blow dry and style her models hair, under the intense scrutiny of the judging panel.

Ellen said "It was a great experience for me to share the stage with such high profile names from the hairdressing world and show my work to an international audience".

Ellen gave up her own business as a parcel courier to come back to college and retrain as a hairdresser.

Ellen has now completed her NVQ 2 in Hairdressing and is currently working towards her NVQ Level 3. Ellen combines this with the demands of a young family whilst working part time in a local salon.

Ellen's future goals include owning her own salon and teaching hairdressing.