Malaspina hairdressing student Brandy Taylor wins gold medal at National Skills Competition

Brandy Taylor, a hairdressing student at Malaspina University-College, tied for first place to win a gold medal at the Fifth Canadian Skills Competition in Kitchener, Ontario, recently.

Competing against 30 of the best hairdressing students from every province in Canada, Taylor, tied for first place in Ladies Hairdressing in the post-secondary competition with Jody Hooker of Selkirk College, Castlegar.

"It was an intense two days," said Taylor. "There were six hours of timed competition. But it went well because I felt totally prepared and supported by my instructors at Malaspina. I'm really appreciative of the heart and extra time they put into preparing me for the competition."

According to Taylor she also got support from Ron Nicholls of Nova Beauty Co., Victoria, who unasked, sponsored her for all the equipment and supplies required for the competition.

Before attending the Canadian Skills Competition, students must compete and excel at regional and provincial competitions. The Fifth Annual B.C. Skills Competition was held May 11 in Vancouver. The object of the competition is to test the skills learned in Canadian schools and post-secondary institutions that mirror those expected by the employment market.