SRC Students Prepare for WorldSkills UK Finals

Two Southern Regional College (SRC) students are preparing to put their skills to the test against competitors from across the UK at this month’s WorldSkills UK National Finals.

Katie Mooney from Gilford and Ruby Elliott from Belfast, both study at the College’s Newry campus and will represent SRC in the respective categories, Beauty Therapy and Laboratory Technician. The competitions take place across venues in South Wales on 18–19 November, followed by a medal ceremony on Friday 20 November.

For Katie, reaching the finals marks a remarkable first year at the College. After completing her A-levels, she had planned to take a gap year before potentially studying midwifery. However, recognising her long-standing interest in beauty, her parents encouraged her to enrol on SRC’s Beauty Therapy Traineeship.

With encouragement from lecturer Nicole Malone, Katie entered the WorldSkills UK competition series, progressing through the preliminary rounds and finishing first at the Northern Ireland regional heat to secure her place in the national finals. She has since progressed to the Beauty Therapy Techniques Level 3 Diploma.

Nicole has been supporting Katie through intensive weekly training sessions ahead of two days of competition. Expected tasks include waxing, manicure and make-up application, with the precise make-up brief revealed on the day.

As Nicole explains, success depends on much 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.”

Fellow finalist 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.

Working within Almac’s Analytical Development Team, Ruby supports the development of active pharmaceutical ingredients while balancing 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. Alongside her practical skills, Ruby will be assessed on health and safety, her ability to analyse results and the conclusions she draws from the data.

Helen Goodrich, Associate Director, Analytical Development at Almac Group, highlighted how competition experience translates into 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.”

Offering advice ahead of the finals, Dr Murray said:

“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 and Ruby will discover the results of their efforts at the WorldSkills UK National Finals medal ceremony on Friday 20 November 2026.