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Guildford College Make-Up Student Wins Gold at World Skills National Finals

28th November 2017

Guildford College student Anna Lumsden who achieved a Diploma in Theatrical, Special Effects, Hair and Media Make-up at Guildford College, has been awarded gold medal in the recent World Skills National Finals at The Skills Show at the NEC in Birmingham. Having successfully progressed through the regional heats with the College, Anna has now progressed to study a Degree in Hair and Make-up for Fashion at London College of Fashion (University of the Arts London) but still maintains close links with the Beauty Department and chose to represent Guildford College at the competition.

Held every two years, World Skills is an international competition which showcases the talents of young people from across the globe and encourages them to be the best in their skill of choice. It is the biggest vocational education and skills excellence event in the world that truly reflects global industry.

The UK’s most talented young tradeswomen and men and skilled professionals were crowned the nation’s number 1 at the three-day interactive event organised by World Skills UK. With more than 80,000 spectators attending the event, almost 500 young people, from across 55 disciplines – as diverse as Aircraft Maintenance to 3D Game Design, Cabinet Making, Plumbing to Beauty Therapy and Cyber Security – took part in the National Finals.

Anna’s category, Fashion and Photographic Make-Up, were given the theme ‘Future’, and Anna created a stunning futuristic butterfly look as her award winning entry.

Of her gold winning entry, Anna said: “I am absolutely over the moon to have won a Gold medal in the Fashion and Photographic Make-up category of the World Skills National final -it means everything to me.  I have never worked harder in my life and it really has paid off. The competition was of very high standard and all the competitors were amazing so I was very nervous awaiting the results I couldn’t believe it when they said my name! Overall it was an amazing experience and valuable opportunity – I learnt so much and will remember it forever. I could never be where I am now without the help of Guildford College especially my tutor Miss Smith, she really has gone above and beyond for me. Also the patience of my amazing model Lucinda Greenaway who let me practice over and over without complaining!

“The theme this year was Future, so I decided to create an intergalactic butterfly I wanted to create a unique futuristic creature, using a butterfly as a template allowed me to experiment with bold patterns and bright colours translating this in to a futuristic look allowed me to explore my creative imagination, I really enjoyed creating this look!

“I believe winning this competition will really help my career prospects, my ultimate goal is to become head makeup artist for all the major fashion brands working on the most important shows. I’d also love to see my work on the cover of Vogue Magazine one day.”

Anna’s tutor and mentor at Guildford College, Jaceyann Smith, who guided and supported Anna throughout her journey to her gold winning medal said: “Words cannot express how proud I am of Anna. Her hard work, focus, determination and drive for success over the past two years have taken her, deservedly, to become the World Skills UK Champion for Fashion and Photographic Make-Up. Anna has been not only a truly amazing student at Guildford College, but also a role model for other students, proving that hard work and a passion to succeed pay off. I am certain we will continue to see Anna’s career take off, to become a well-recognised make-up artist.”