Jo Doward and Marnie Randall from The Academy of Hair and Beauty Studies at West Suffolk College with the awards.
West Suffolk College received two awards at the Association of Hairdressers and Therapists (AHT) annual gala dinner.
The occasion took place at the Village Hotel in Blackpool.
Individuals and educational establishments were nominated in a variety of categories and the College based in Bury St Edmunds received two of the top gongs.
Hairdressing lecturer, Jo Doward, received the 2023 outstanding teacher / lecturer of the year prize. (In her nomination Jo’s inspirational passion for the industry was praised).
Marnie Randall, the head of the Academy of Hair and Beauty at West Suffolk College, picked up the 2023 outstanding industry/employer engagement accolade on behalf of her entire team.
On winning her title, Jo – who has worked at the College for 30 years - said: “To be nominated was lovely. I was really pleased. I enjoy what I do and never have a boring day at work. The team I work with is a delight and it’s been a great career so far. This has to be one of the highlights.”
On scooping the team award, Marnie said: “We have strong links with industry to make sure students see what life is like after education. Last year we won an AHT learner support award – so to win two big prizes, two years running is amazing. We were up against some big players so to come out on top was nice. I’m very proud of the team as we are driving connections and constantly putting our talented students in touch with some of the best people in the industry.”
This news comes on the back of a unique link that was set up with the Fellowship of British Hairdressing. In November last year, the Academy of Hair and Beauty at West Suffolk College became the further education establishment in the country to become a centre of excellence.
In terms of this news, Marnie said: “It means that students who are coming out of the centre of excellence finishing school will leave here with the X Factor and that can only help businesses in this region and beyond.”
Also in recent weeks, student Molly Rayner has become part of Squad UK, a small group of talented learners who will have the chance of representing their country in their chosen field of expertise during competitions called EuroSkills and WorldSkills.
