AN OKEHAMPTON hairdresser has won a ?Student of the Year? award at Exeter College, 17 years after her boss achieved the honour.
Carolyn Baker, 21, was recognised at a special ceremony last week for her quality of work and commitment during her NVQ level two hairdressing course.
The junior stylist at Quinns has been attending Exeter College for two years on a day release scheme and is studying an NVQ level three.
Student of the year is decided by teachers and assessors who visit students in their working environment to see their working practices and ability and how they interact with people.
Carolyn said it was a surprise to win: ?I thought I did okay, but I did not expect to win it,? she said. ?I love hairdressing, especially the artistic side of it and working with people. One day I would like to train others.?
Manager of Quinns Dawn Pitts, who won the student of the year award when she attended Exeter College 17 years ago, said it was great to see one of her trainees do so well.
?Carolyn has been totally focussed and committed from the start and she is very creative,? said Dawn. ?We knew she was nominated for an award, but we didn?t know which one. We only found out on the night and four us from the salon were there to watch her receive it.
?It certainly brought back memories for me and to win something like this is a great encouragement.?
Carolyn was presented with a certificate and pair of hairdressers? scissors by representatives from Wella.