Four students land dream occupations

The quartet of Jessica Norledge, Kelly Sumpter, Rebecca Stephens and Katarina Fonseca from Sussex Downs College are now working at the Health Club and Spa at Eastbourne’s prestigious The Grand Hotel, the UK’s only seafront five-star resort.

Jessica, 20, gained an NVQ qualification in Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy Level Two and Beauty Therapy Level Three.

She said: “The staff at The Grand are very supportive and friendly. They’ve really helped me to find my feet in the spa.

“This is a new experience for me it’s really helped with my confidence.”

Katarina, 21, who completed a Beauty Therapy NVQ at Level Two and Three, said: “I joined the spa on a casual basis and am now a full-time member of the team.

“Alongside Beauty Therapy I studied Holistic Therapy at Sussex Downs College.

“I received a silver medal in UK Skills, coming first in the regionals and second in the UK finals.

“I now provide holistic and beauty treatments within the spa.”

Kelly, 20, secured a placement at the spa after finishing college.

She started as a beauty therapist for 18 months, before taking a break and returning as health club receptionist and beauty therapist. Kelly said: “We all help each other.

“I love working in the spa, as I’m being multi-trained, every day is always different.”

Rebecca Stephens, 20, studied Hairdressing and Beauty therapy Level Two NVQ from 2010 to 2012 and Beauty Therapy Level Three NVQ from 2012 to 2013.

Work experience was part of her Level Three course and Rebecca secured a placement at The Grand, arranged through the college.

This work experience led to the offer of casual work.

When an opening for a part-time beauty therapist came up, she applied and was successful.

Rebecca said: “I’m really enjoying being a part of the health club team. I’ve recently done some training for Kerstin Florian that I can now use day to day in treatments.

“This has opened up an opportunity to do more of a variety of treatments for my clients.”