The WorldSkills UK National Finals, held across venues in Manchester from November 19th to 22nd, brought together over 400 young people from Wales, England, Northern Ireland, and Scotland to compete in a series of challenging vocational competitions. These talented individuals competed for the honour of being named the best in the UK, across a variety of industries.
At South Tyneside College, we are incredibly proud of the students who participated in this prestigious event. Their outstanding achievements underpin the exceptional training and support they receive at the college. One student was awarded Gold, another ‘Highly Commended’, and a third was shortlisted among the top 8 in the country.
Neve Dunn: Gold Medal Winner
Among the top performers was Neve Dunn, Level 4 Beauty Therapy student. Her hard work and dedication was rewarded with a Gold Medal in the Beauty Therapy Practitioner category at WorldSkills UK.
Reflecting on her success, Neve shared:
Winning this award feels incredible. I couldn’t have done it without the support of my tutors, especially Lisa Roberts. This is my second year competing, and I’m honoured to represent South Tyneside College. I’m excited to take the next step and compete in the WorldSkills Final in Shanghai in 2026.
Neve now works as a Spa Therapist at Ramside Hall in Durham, where she applies the skills she developed during her time at the college. Sophie, Senior Therapist at Ramside Spa, praised Neve’s dedication, saying: “Neve’s relentless hard work and commitment to the industry are outstanding. We’re proud to have her as part of our team.”
Lisa Roberts, Neve’s Beauty Lecturer, also expressed her pride:
I am so proud of Neve, Ruby and all the girls who competed in this challenging and prestigious competition. They’ve worked tirelessly to perfect their skills and ensured they were fully prepared for every challenge.
Highly Commended Students: Ruby Linney and Neve Power
Neve wasn’t the only student to make an impact at the competition. Ruby Linney was Highly Commended for her outstanding skills and dedication. Ruby commented: “Being Highly Commended means so much. It shows how far I’ve come in my training and motivates me to keep striving for excellence.”
Additionally, Neve Power reached the top 8 in the Beauty Therapy category – a remarkable accomplishment in itself.
We’d also like to express our thanks to the contestants’ models, Tia Haley, Amber Moffatt and Myia Westhall – whose support and commitment helped make this event a success.
In February 2025, Neve Dunn will take the next step and participate in a three-day intensive training programme, with the most ideal candidate going forward to represent the Beauty Therapy UK team in the WorldSkills Final in Shanghai in 2026.
Mandy Morris, Principal at Tyne Coast College, commented:
Initiatives such as WorldSkills are vital in showcasing student abilities. I am so proud of their hard work and dedication. This competition is a fantastic opportunity for our students to showcase what they have learned, their talent and to demonstrate how far our team has come. It is also important to recognise the efforts of our staff and everyone who supported the event, including the models who helped make the event such a success. Bring on Shanghai!
For more information about WorldSkills UK, visit: WorldSkills UK
To learn more about our Beauty Therapy courses and how to apply, visit: www.stc.ac.uk
