Barbering student wins gold at AHT National Finals

Sunderland College student Danny Weaver has shown he is a cut above by winning a prestigious international competition.

Trainee barber Danny claimed first place in the Men’s Barbering Creative Cutting and Finish category at the Association of Hairdressers and Therapists (AHT) Finals, the second year in a row a student from the College has won gold.

Due to government restrictions, the 2021 competition was judged by photographic entry with learners from colleges and training providers across the UK required to submit six images of their work on a pre-coloured male model or mannequin head.

Researching the look and style he wanted to create, Danny perfected his technique during a pressure test as part of the World Skills UK Centre of Excellence pilot which Sunderland College joined in 2020.

“It would have been exciting to compete in person, but I am so pleased to win the competition,” said Danny, who worked in insurance before choosing to follow his passion for barbering. “It has already had a massive impact as I have secured interviews at two prestigious barbershops.”

The AHT competitions are annual events which sees UK students enrolled on hairdressing, barbering, beauty therapy, and media hair and make-up participate in a series of regional heats before competing at the Finals in Blackpool.

Barbering Lecturer, Mark Sowerby, added: “This is a great achievement from Danny, showing his dedication to the trade he loves.

“After giving up a full-time job to change careers, he has worked hard to develop his skills. Danny saw the success of Owen Crossley in the same category last year and strived to match the result and success.

“The AHT competition is the biggest in the country and is a fantastic opportunity for our students to demonstrate the skills they have gained against some of the best talent UK universities and colleges have to offer.”