A TRAINEE tutor is set to mentor the next generation of nail artists after being named as first runner up in a nationwide competition.
Former Darlington College nail technology student Hailing Hackney presented a polished performance to finish in second place with her enchanted painted nails, at the Beauty and Holistic WorldSkills finals at the NEC, Birmingham.
The competition, which takes place every year, is designed by leading industry experts and training providers to help raise skill levels among students and trainees from across the whole of the UK.
“I was absolutely thrilled when the judges announced that I was first runner up,” said Hailing, 31, of Newton Aycliffe.
“To know that I beat hundreds of other students just to get to the finals really vindicated my decision to try my hand at a new career.
“I’m now training to be a nail technology tutor so I can help other students achieve their career goals and hopefully prepare them for the WorldSkills competition in the future.”
Hailing, who is undertaking her teacher training course at Darlington College, returned to her native North-East in 2013 after working as a restaurant public relations manager in London.
“I’d always been creative and was looking for a new challenge when my niece suggested I try nail art,” said Hailing.
“I looked around and found that the part-time evening course at Darlington College suited me perfectly and fitted in really well around my three-year-old son.
“It was the best thing I ever did. I’ve loved the course and the college is great. I’ve made loads of new friends and now I’m training for a whole new career – I wish I’d done it years ago.”
Nail technology tutor Rachel Hanson, who has successfully mentored a number of Darlington College students to the final stages of the WorldSkills finals, added: “As soon as I saw Hailing’s work I knew that she was someone who could compete on a national stage.
“Her work is outstanding as are her presentation skills and I know that she will make an excellent tutor.”
Fellow Darlington College nail technology student Laura Hardy, 27, of Witton Gilbert, was also successful in making it to the final stages of the WorldSkills finals and finished in the top 10 of students in the country.
For more information on opportunities at Darlington College visit www.darlington.ac.uk.
