From education to employment

Merita is a cut above the rest

Merita Spahiu, 37, from Hornchurch, was chosen to work alongside one of the masters of hair, Patrick Cameron, at the  Salon International 2018 show at London ExCeL last week.

Merita, who studies at the Technical Skills Academy, part of Barking & Dagenham College, was one of hundreds of college students who entered Patrick’s hairdressing competition.  Each student had to send their ideas for a ‘hair up’ design to Patrick himself.  Clearly impressing with her work, Merita won the competition! 

Her prize was the opportunity to work alongside Patrick as he prepared for his show at Salon International.  Patrick premiered his new collection, Heritage, to the audience assisted by Merita live on stage! 

Patrick praised Merita for her precision and creativity in her design and spoke highly of her achievements.  He also offered some motivational tips to all the hairdressing students, commenting that ‘hairdressing is the greatest profession in the world’.

When asked about her experience, Merita said: “I have been truly inspired by Patrick. He’s shown me so much.  I have felt like Cinderella working with him at the show, being in a world of the top professionals, people that I thought I would never meet.”

Merita has already been named Student of the Year 2018 at her college and came first in the hair and beauty departments ‘Inspiration Day’ competition where she designed a bridal hairstyle. 

About Barking & Dagenham College:  Barking & Dagenham College offers higher level technical and professional training, from entry to level 7 that prepares people for work or for university. Operating from five specialist sites, with industry-standard facilities and real-work training environments, the College welcomes all age groups. The College has an established Higher Education programme (HNC/D, degree, postgraduate) in addition to a wider range of professional body qualifications.

Barking & Dagenham College is one of the leading providers of intermediate, advanced and higher apprenticeship training in London, training around 1000 apprentices and working with around 300 employer clients each year.  Specialisms include Construction, Project Management, Human Resources Management, Business and Pharmacy.


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