Hairdressing student Michelle Sloan is another prize-winning Barnfield student - she says her course helped her launch her career.
"I had always wanted to be a hairdresser and the vocational courses at Barnfield looked like the perfect way to get up and running.
"The course was fantastic - it covered everything I needed and we had plenty of willing volunteers to practise on!
"I was enjoying it so much I decided to get competitive and took part in the Eastern Region heat of the UK Skills hairdressing competition 2009. We were on our home turf at Barnfield's New Bedford Road Campus, so the pressure was on!
"The competition was fierce - there were 25 other people involved and it lasted all day - but I was delighted when the judges revealed I had won.
"I really believe the teaching at Barnfield was a huge help to me. They give you tonnes of constructive advice but also the freedom to express yourself.
"I've left Barnfield full of confidence for my hairdressing career and the future generally. You never stop learning in a job like this, but I've been given a great start."
