TWO learners from Central Training Group’s, Central Hair London, based in Bethnal Green have enjoyed success at the biggest competition for hairdressing apprentices in the country.
The Concept Hair Learner of the Year 2021 competition saw candidates from all over the country creating inspirational and creative hair designs in the following categories:
- Styling – Level 1 – Festival Hair
- Styling – Level 2 – Festival Hair
- Hair Up – Level 2 – Red Carpet
- Hair Up – Level 3 – Red Carpet
- Barbering – Level 2 – Old School Barbershop
- Barbering – Level 3 – Old School Barbershop
- Colouring – All Levels – Celebration of Colour
- Avant-Garde – Levels 2 & 3 – Safari
These entries were then scrutinised by a panel of industry-expert judges, who whittled the entries down and entered them into Stage 2: a new look and a vision board.
This concluded with the awards evening, which was held online on Instagram Live on April 26th 2021, in which 2 of our learners brought us great pride in winning 3 awards between them! Read on to find out more about our astounding learners.
Jacqueline Kankam-Hoppe
Colouring & Spotlight Award
Jacqueline Kankam-Hoppe, 20, won not only the Concept Magazine Hair Learner of the Year 2021 title in the colouring category, but also scooped a special prize from The Fellowship for British Hairdressing. The Spotlight Award recognised her talent and outstanding work throughout the competition. Jacqueline, who is due to complete her NVQ level 3 hairdressing award soon, works in Karine Jackson Salon in Covent Garden when not training in the East End.Love what you see? Head over to Jacqueline’s Instagram page to see more of what this talented lady can do -> donebyjacqueline
Ella Blidaru
Hair Up Lvl 3
Ella Blidaru, 31, was named winner in the Concept Hair Learner of the Year 2021 Hair Up Level 3 category. When she is not working towards completing her level3 NVQ in hairdressing at Central Hair in Hollybush Gardens, Ella can be found working at Hare & Bone in Fitzrovia.
Want to see more of Ella’s amazing creations? Check her out and follow her on Instagram -> love__isinthehair
Training with Central and beyond
To enjoy recognition from their peers and judges, who were some of the biggest names in hairdressing, is a great way for both apprentices to finish their training. Lysette Hodgson (pictured with Jacqueline), who tutors both winners, said:
“Jacqueline and Ella have been outstanding learners. They have both shown huge commitment to projects both within our training centre and at their individual salons and this shows in their work which is incredibly advance and innovative considering they are pretty much at the start of their careers.”
Jacqueline was thrilled by her two wins! It is just the latest in a series of industry successes she has enjoyed and, according to her salon boss, Karine Jackson she is destined for great things. She added:
“Jacqueline has worked so hard during lockdown to improve her skills.
We are so proud from start to finish of her Concept hair project. Jacqueline’s eye for detail is exceptional and she thought about her entries every step of the way. She is definitely one to watch!”
See how the competition unfolded on Concept Hair’s IGTV.
For more information about the competition or the win, please contact Clair Orton PR on 07976 259693.
