Family, friends and staff gathered at Donegal College’s Ballyraine campus on Monday last to celebrate the achievements of ten graduates from the college’s Diploma in Women’s and Men’s Hairdressing programme.
The graduation ceremony marked the end of an exciting learning journey and recognised the commitment, creativity and hard work shown by the learners throughout their training.
Before the ceremony, graduates and their guests enjoyed a guided tour of the Ballyraine campus. Many were pleasantly surprised by the range and quality of facilities available locally and were hugely impressed by the modern learning environments and training resources available right on their doorstep.
The graduates recognised on the day were:
- Caitlin Clare
- Áine Cullen
- Brooke Goyvaerts
- Katie Green
- Orla Mc Fadden
- Samantha Mc Monagle
- Aine Mc Cafferty
- Nikita O Brien Orr
- Saoirse Rodgers
- Rachel Slevin
Students and Donegal College / ETB Staff at the Donegal College Hairdressing Graduations on Monday last at the Donegal College Offices in Ballyraine, Letterkenny. Seated from left are Brooke Goyvaerts, Orla McFadden, Rachel Slevin, Samantha McMonagle and Aine Cullen. Back from left are Aine McCafferty, Nikita O’Brien Orr, Katie Green, Donna ODonnell, Hairdressing Instuctor, Colm Richardson, Training Services Manager, Katherine Gilmour, Orla Mc Fadden and Saoirse Rodgers. Photo: Clive Wasson.
A special highlight of the afternoon was the presentation of the Hairdressing Student of the Year Award to Rachel Slevin, who received a commemorative plaque in recognition of her outstanding achievement and dedication throughout the programme.
The hairdressing programme provides learners with practical salon skills, industry knowledge and valuable hands-on experience.
A key part of the training is work experience, with learners attending a salon placement each Friday, alongside a four-week block release placement during the programme. This experience gives students the opportunity to develop their skills in a real working environment while building confidence and industry connections.
Many of the graduates have already secured employment within the hairdressing industry, while others are continuing their education and progressing to undertake their Level 3 qualification.
The Hairdressing Student of the Year Award went to Rachel Slevin. Rachel is pictured receiving her award from Donna O’Donnell and Katherine Gilmour, Hairdressing Instructors.
Speaking at the event, Colm Richardson, Training Services Manager, said: “Graduation day is always an important milestone, and it was wonderful to see our learners recognised for all their hard work and determination.
“Hairdressing is a profession that combines skill, creativity and people skills, and these graduates have demonstrated those qualities throughout their training.
“On behalf of Donegal College, I congratulate them on their success and wish them every success in their future careers. I would also like to thank our support staff and instructors for their dedication and commitment to helping our learners reach their full potential.”
Katherine Gilmour and Donna O’Donnell, Hairdressing Instructors, praised the graduates for their commitment and growth throughout the programme. Katherine said:
“It has been a pleasure to work with this group of learners and watch their confidence and skills develop over the course of their training. They embraced every challenge, supported one another and showed great professionalism both in the training salon and during their work placements. We are incredibly proud of what they have achieved and look forward to seeing them continue to grow in the industry, whether through employment or further study.”
As one group of learners celebrates their success, Donegal College is already preparing to welcome the next. There are still places available on a number of full-time and part-time courses across a wide range of subject areas.
Whether you are looking to gain new skills, retrain for a new career or return to education, there are opportunities available across Donegal.
For more information on available courses, visit the Donegal College website at https://donegalcollege.ie/course/.
Brooke Goyvaerts, Orla McFadden, Rachel Slevin, Samantha McMonagle, Aine Cullen, Aine McCafferty, Nikita O’Brien Orr, Katie Green, Orla Mc Fadden and Saoirse Rodgers celebrate at the Donegal College Hairdressing Graduations.