A NEWPORT beauty student has styled her way to success in the final of a national skills competition.

Megan Jenkins fought off competition from across Wales to take Silver in the Skills Competition Wales final in advanced nail technology.

Part of a Welsh Government-backed initiative to boost skills levels across Wales, the final saw competitors marked on presentation, health, safety and technique.

The 20 year-old Coleg Gwent student from Magor, worked with an artificial nail gel nail overlay structure to achieve a French Manicure look within a time limit of two and a half hours.

She is working towards her Level 3 Diploma in beauty therapy.

“I was shocked to realise I’d achieved a top place, and really pleased and proud,” she said.

“The competition was a fantastic experience and I’d love to compete in more events in the future.”

HER tutor Amanda Carroll believes she has a bright future ahead of her:

“Megan is a very committed, conscientious student who has proved she is one of the most skilled nail trainees in Wales,” she said.

“We are very proud of her success and have every confidence that she will go on to excel in her professional career.”

Supported by the European Social Fund, the Welsh Government is running a total of 32 Skills Competitions in 2014 in a range of sectors, from carpentry and hairdressing to automotive and patisserie.

Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology, Ken Skates AM, said:

“Through these competitions, we aim to find the nation’s most skilled trainees across many different occupations and sectors.”