Hull College student Daniela secures gold at WorldSkills UK National Finals
WINNER: Daniela Mikute at Hull College
By Rick Lyon
Hull College student Daniela Mikute has won gold at the WorldSkills UK National Finals.
The 20-year-old Advanced Beauty Therapy and Aesthetics Foundation Degree student proved herself to be the best young nail technician in the country when she took first place in the competition.
The competition focused on evaluating the role and tasks of a nail technician in a salon environment.
Participants were tasked with demonstrating proficiency in various aspects, including nail care, nail technology and nail art, adhering to both current and traditional standards and industry requirements.
Competing against seven talented peers from across the UK, Daniela showcased her exceptional skills, artistry and attention to detail in a series of manicure challenges, securing the prestigious gold medal.
The gold medal achievement is the latest milestone of Daniela’s time at Hull College having first started as a Level 2 Beauty Therapy student in September 2021.
‘DELIGHTED’: Daniela proudly displaying her medal
She went on to study Level 3 Advanced Nail Enhancements the following year, achieving a Distinction grade that saw her finish in the top four per cent in the country and enabling her to make the step up to higher education.
Daniela said: “I’m delighted to have won the gold medal and I’m so proud of what I’ve achieved.
“This past year has been an incredible journey for me. Competing in WorldSkills UK has been a challenging, emotional and stressful, but ultimately amazing, experience.
“Winning the gold medal in WorldSkills UK has taught me that with enough hard work, I can achieve anything. It’s been unforgettable.
“I have to say a huge thank you to my fantastic tutors Emma and Kerry Wray, who have both been a fantastic support network for me. They have supported, motivated and stood by me from day one.
“Most importantly though, they have both believed in me - even when I doubted myself. Their unwavering faith in my ability has allowed me to achieve my very best and I couldn’t have reached this milestone without their support and guidance.
PROUD: Hull College tutors Emma Wray, left, and Kerry Wray with Daniela
“On a final note, I would like to say thank you to WorldSkills UK for giving me the opportunity to showcase my skills.
“To anyone who feels truly passionate about what they do, I would recommend taking part in a skills competition. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication, but it is so worth it for the skills you develop and the confidence you gain.”
Kerry Wray, assistant head of hospitality and lifestyle at Hull College, said: “Daniela’s dedication and talent have shone through in all stages of the WorldSkills UK competition.
“She was competing against the very best in the country in her category but she maintained a positive focus on the tasks at hand and performed outstandingly well in the final.
“We practised many elements of the competition leading up to the event and we are absolutely delighted that she won gold.”
The WorldSkills UK National competitions celebrate the best in young talent across various disciplines, from engineering and digital to creative, business, health, and hospitality.