A BORDERS College hairdressing student will compete at national finals in London later this year, writes Sally Gillespie.
One of only five students selected from Scotland for the Wella Xposure final in June, Kirsty Fojcik won through the regional final at Clydebank College recently.
She said: “I was really shocked but thrilled to have reached the grand final in London.
“I was so nervous at the Scottish heat, but it was great to see all the fabulous work of the other students. I’m looking forward to going to London and I’m just going to try and enjoy the whole experience.”
She and three other Borders College hairdressing students – Lisa Donaldson, Mario Taddei and Danielle Fraser – contested the regionals, each preparing mood boards depicting their themes and ideas for their hair cut and colour.
The college’s programme leader Paula Hutchison said: “The Wella organisers said they had received triple the amount of photographic entrants for this year, and to have had four entrants selected from Borders College to compete in the regional event was a great achievement.”
And the judges said the standard from all competitors had been exceptionally high.
Meanwhile former events management student, Sophie Eelbeck changed direction while at college and now has a City and Guilds Certificate in Vehicle Maintenance.
Soon after she started events management training the budding mechanic realised she wanted something more practical and to merge her interest in cars with her future career, so she applied for the college’s one year pre-apprenticeship certificate course.
She said: “I thought my fellow students and staff would be a little judgemental because I am female but this has not been the case. Borders College also has a great garage workshop, you get to work on a variety of cars and the course tutors are there to help you when you need it.”
The student has gained a work placement herself for two days a week at Adam Purves at Tweedbank.
“I work in the garage workshop one day a week and in the office the other day. I like working there, it gives you a better idea of how it works in a real business and I get to talk to customers which has improved my self-confidence.”
Sophie has applied for the full-time Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Level 2 course next year and then hopes to get an apprenticeship and become a qualified motor vehicle technician.