A teenager from Manningtree is hoping to snip her way to success when she takes part in a national competition called WorldSkills later this year.
(WorldSkills is an international charity that organises world and national vocational competitions culminating in a ‘Skills Olympics’ style event that is held in different parts of the globe every two years).
Annalise Wilden, 18, from Manningtree is on a level two beauty course at Suffolk New College.
(Before this she studied on a hairdressing pathway at the Ipswich based educational establishment last year).
The Essex based creative took part in a preliminary stage of WorldSkills and was able to progress to a regional heat that took place in Wolverhampton over the summer.
And she has recently found out that she has been chosen as one of eight high performers and will now travel to Wales in November for the national final.
If successful, she may have the opportunity of representing her country internationally. The next international event will be held next year in Shanghai).
Annalise said: “I initially created a mood board based on the theme of a summer prom that was submitted to judges at WorldSkills, and as a result of this I was picked to take part in the regional heat.
“I was then up against around ten others. It was a one day event that was kind of stressful. People were filming us. But I worked through it. I’m one of six children so I was able to shut things out. After the regional heat I was sent an email a few weeks later explaining that I have now been chosen to take part in the finals that will take place later this year (in Wales). I was surprised and thrilled to get through and it’s a good opportunity for whatever my future holds.
“I’m going to be practising ahead of the final and the college will be supporting me. Suffolk New College has been beyond brilliant. And if I were to win the finals there is a chance to represent your country – to do that would be a great opportunity and I’d be very proud.”
Lee Mandley is director of service industries at Suffolk New College. Lee said: “It fills us with a real sense of pride to have Annalise and four other students from the college getting to the national finals of WorldSkills. Competition can bring out the very best in the most high-pressured situations.
“So, it’s amazing that we have these incredible young people have risen to the challenge where they will now be representing the college and the region at a national level.”