Brooksby Melton College student Holly scoops beauty therapist job and top rewards package at Ragdale Hall by winning spa's first Student of Excellence competition

Holly Quinn (30), from Old Dalby, won Ragdale’s first ever Student of Excellence competition, beating off four other hopefuls in the recently held final.

Holly has secured a full-time beauty therapist position at the prestigious spa, along with a comprehensive two-year training plan, a substantial cash bonus after one year in the role and a spa day at Ragdale Hall.

Having clinched their places in the final by performing a manicure and facial in the first round, the five finalists performed two further treatments, sat a difficult theory exam and underwent an extensive one-to-one interview with a member of Ragdale’s recruitment team in the final.

Holly said: “It feels amazing to be the winner. It’s such a huge achievement for me and it feels like the hard work from the last two years has paid off.”

The new role will help Holly to fulfil her life-long ambition to become a beauty therapist, having taken time to focus on having a family first.

She added: “I can’t wait to begin my career at Ragdale Hall and expand my knowledge further with the amazing training on offer. To work at Ragdale has been my ambition since starting my beauty training, due to its amazing reputation. It really is a dream come true for me.”

The five finalists were: Holly Quinn (Brooksby Melton College), Alice Tunnaley (Brooksby Melton College), Lucy Dodd (Stamford College), Jasmine James (Chesterfield College) and Thelma Machingauta (Dudley College).

All of the finalists secured beauty therapist roles and training with Ragdale, due to the exceptionally high standards they demonstrated throughout the competition, but Holly scooped the top rewards package.

The competition is open exclusively to students from colleges with Ragdale Hall’s ‘College of Excellence’ status - certifying high standards of training.

To be eligible to compete students must also be qualified to level two in beauty and working towards their level three qualifications.

Allison Garner, personnel director at Ragdale Hall, said: “We know from working closely with further education colleges that there are many very talented beauty therapy students who will be starting to think about their first job in the industry. This competition is a great way for them to come and have a look around Ragdale, speak to our current therapists and see what it takes to work in a busy, professional environment.

“The rewards on offer - for both the winner and runners up - show Ragdale’s commitment to supporting and developing this new talent. It’s also a fantastic opportunity for those who are successful to have the best start possible to their careers in the beauty industry.

“We’ve been really pleased with the excitement around our first competition. We’ve had great feedback from college tutors and trainers and I’m confident it will only grow each year.”