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Two students from Southern Regional College’s Newry campus will compete at the WorldSkills UK National Finals in Wales later this month. Katie Mooney from Gilford will take part in Beauty Therapy, while Ruby Elliott from Belfast will compete as a Laboratory Technician.
Ruby is in the second year of her foundation degree in Applied Science (Analytical), which she is completing through a Higher Level Apprenticeship with Almac. She works within Almac’s Analytical Development Team, where she supports the development of active pharmaceutical ingredients, and balances full-time employment, her studies and competition preparation.
SRC specialist lecturer in chemistry Dr Deirdre Murray is guiding Ruby through weekly training sessions covering biochemistry, UV-visible spectroscopy, titration analysis and organic synthesis. As well as her practical skills, Ruby will be assessed on health and safety, her ability to analyse results and the conclusions she draws from the data.
lecturer in Chemistry Dr Deirdre Murray and Carla Araujo from the Almac Group.
Helen Goodrich, Associate Director, Analytical Development at Almac Group, said competition experience can help in the workplace. “Participation in WorldSkills UK helps our apprentices develop their ability to meet deadlines, prioritise and manage multiple tasks in parallel, all essential aspects of the working day.”
“Performing under the pressure of competition also builds resilience and helps them develop strategies for responding when things don’t go as planned at work.”
Dr Murray also had advice for Ruby ahead of the finals. “My advice to Ruby is to embrace every opportunity, enjoy the experience and take time to get to know her fellow competitors. Alongside the chance to showcase her skills and give her best, she could come away with friendships that last a lifetime.”
Katie is in her first year at the College. After completing her A-levels, she had planned to take a gap year before potentially studying midwifery. Her parents, recognising her long-standing interest in beauty, encouraged her to enrol on SRC’s Beauty Therapy Traineeship.
With encouragement from lecturer Nicole Malone, Katie entered the WorldSkills UK competition series and progressed through the preliminary rounds. She finished first at the Northern Ireland regional heat to secure her place in the national finals and has since progressed to the Beauty Therapy Techniques Level 3 Diploma.
Nicole has been supporting Katie through intensive weekly training sessions ahead of the two days of competition. The expected tasks include waxing, manicure and make-up application, with the precise make-up brief revealed on the day.
Nicole said success depends on more than technical ability. “Alongside her treatment skills, Katie will be assessed on her presentation, communication and professionalism, as well as how she maintains health and safety throughout the competition.”
“My role is to mentor her, prepare her for unexpected challenges and push her beyond her comfort zone to reach the next level. She is managing really well and I’m looking forward to seeing her put her skills into practice at the national finals.”
The competitions will take place at venues in South Wales on 18 and 19 November, followed by a medal ceremony on Friday 20 November.
