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Coatbridge College Celebrates World Skills | 07.07.10

Coatbridge College Beauty, Spa and Holistic Therapies student Maria Hanley is elated after being awarded Bronze at this year’s WorldSkills Competition and being named VQ Learner of the Year 2010.

Maria, who has recently completed her HNC Complementary Therapies at the College, competed in the ‘Holistic Therapy - Reflexology’ section of WorldSkills UK.

WorldSkills UK are annual competitions run regionally then nationally to encourage people across the country to excel in their vocational skill.

Competition categories include everything from bricklaying and web design to acting and nail technology.


Maria commented;
‘I’m delighted with this result! Reflexology is my passion and I have worked hard to achieve success.

Competition is fierce at these national competitons, and this one was no different! I focused on improving on a personal best from a previous competition - I was able to achieve this so I’m very proud of myself!’

Maria won the regional heat of the competition earlier this year and was duly awarded the Bronze award at national level for her outstanding therapy skills. Although competition was very intense, Maria’s skills earned her an overall score in the mid nineties.

Maria was also named VQ Learner of the Year 2010, a national award to celebrate vocational achievement and showcase the best in vocational qualifications.

The VQ Learner of the Year Awards recognise learners in each age group who are shining examples of excellent academic achievement – learners who have made considerable achievements in a vocational field.

‘As a mature student, it was amazing to have a second chance at my education. My story shows you can turn your life around – the resources, support and education is there for you.

I wouldn’t be doing any of this – going to university, getting awards, starting my own business – if it hadn’t been for my lecturers. I have been inspired by their passion for learning. They believed in me 100%, brought out the best in me and empowered me to achieve’.

Maria now runs a Reflexology Clinic in Whifflet, Coatbridge where she offers specialised treatments and advice on request and will start a BA in Health Care (Complementary Therapies and Reflexology) at Napier University later this year.

Eileen Waugh, Curriculum Leader for Beauty, Spa and Holistic Therapies at Coatbridge College, said:
‘Maria is a fine example of a student who has fully embraced all of the learning opportunities presented to her. She has maintained her eagerness to learn throughout her time at Coatbridge College and has excelled in all that she has attempted.

Maria’s passion is what has enabled her to gain world class skills and find the confidence to enter competitions and awards. She is a brilliant model of all that is wonderful in Scottish Further Education today.

We are extremely proud of all that she has achieved over the last two years at the College and wish her lots of luck for her future’.

More information about Maria and her successful career can be found on her website - www.holostherapies.co.uk (external link)