Success for NSCG at annual VTCT awards

NSCG lecturer Aimee Foster and student Sam Eggington have been recognised for their dedication to the beauty industry by the VTCT Excellence Awards.

VTCT are a leading vocational and technical Awarding Organisation, and their annual award ceremony recognises the achievements of learners, educators and organisations in the personal services and well-being sector.

Attending a glittering ceremony at Manchester College’s City Campus, Hair and Beauty lecturer Aimee, received the Educator of the Year Highly Commended award, after being nominated by Curriculum Manager Lorraine Drayton.

Aimee’s journey at NSCG began in 2016 when she was studying for her Certificate in Education, whilst running her own beauty business and just a year later, she launched her teaching career as a Beauty Therapy lecturer at NSCG.

Aimee’s award celebrates her passion and commitment, and the safe space she has created for her students to learn and grow. She continuously goes above and beyond for her students, even arranging work experience placements at prestigious events such as Screamfest, The Voice of Black Opera and Miss England competitions.

Speaking on her award, Aimee said: “I’m so proud to receive a Highly Commended award from VTCT. My job is my passion, and nurturing the talent of the future is something that is really important to me.

“I also want to extend a huge congratulations to Sam, whose award was so well deserved. He is such a creative, ambitious student and we can’t wait to see what comes next for him."

Sam, who studied Level 3 Diploma in Theatrical, Special Effects, Hair & Media Make-Up, was awarded the Student of the Year Highly Commended award. During his time at NSCG, he invested hours in voluntary work placements, enrichment activities and competitions.

For the past two years, Sam has worked at Halloween festival ‘Screamfest’, transforming over 150 actors into their characters and most recently returning as a ‘pro’ artist after winning the event’s Makeup Artist of the Year Award.

Sam even reached the final 10 in Superdrug’s #SearchForStudioStars, a social media based competition for make-up artists. He secured a place as an ambassador for Superdrug’s Studio London brand, and was gifted a full kit of Studio London products.

As a finalist, he spent a day at Superdrug’s Head Office, learning about the business by working with different departments. He was also invited to exclusive educational webinar sessions with industry leading experts, as well as a makeup masterclass with Studio London’s social media personality, Belle Hassan.

Lorraine Drayton, Curriculum Manager for Hair and Beauty said: “I never cease to be amazed by Aimee’s enthusiasm for her subject and the vigour with which she applies herself to teaching and developing the skills of her students. She is truly an inspirational teacher.

“We also couldn’t be prouder of Sam, and this award is another huge achievement for him as he prepares for what we’re confident will be an extraordinary career in the industry.”

Find out more about the Hair and Beauty courses available at NSCG here.