Ayrshire Grooming Salon's Siobhan Smith wins student of the year award

Siobhan Smith, who trains at Ayrshire Grooming Salon in Ardrossan and undertook the City and Guilds dog grooming qualifications, won the Student Of The Year category at the Pet Industry Federation Awards beating animal licensing inspectors, pet store staff and other dog groomers to the prize.

Siobhan’s dedication to ensuring the welfare of the dogs in her care as well as her exceptional dog grooming skills and positive attitude were commended by the judges.

As a keen dog lover, Siobhan decided to make the move from childcare to dog groomer at the beginning of this year and chose the Ayrshire Grooming Salon as her preferred training centre.

Siobhan, who has two has cockapoos, had been a customer at the salon for a number of years and had always been impressed with the standard of care her dogs received.

Under the supportive eye of tutor Pamela Campbell, Siobhan’s skills were soon evident and she was quickly a firm favourite with the animals.

Pamela, who was also attending the awards as a finalist for the Groomer Of The Year category, said: “From day one Siobhan was fully committed to learning as much as possible and had a natural connection with the dogs.

"We are absolutely delighted that Siobhan has won student of the year, it’s a real testament to her hard work.”

Siobhan Smith, right, with tutor Pamela Campbell (Image: Pet Federation)

The award, sponsored by The National Pet College, was presented at a black tie ceremony in Northamptonshire last month.

Siobhan was overcome with emotion when her name was announced.

She said: “I couldn't believe it, I was just so happy, but I really couldn’t have done it without Pam, she has been a fantastic tutor.

"I had no idea how technical dog grooming was until I started the course, and now I can’t wait to learn more.”

Vicky Skinner, head of education at The National Pet College, added: “Siobhan should be extremely proud of what she has achieved.

"Our judges were blown away by her dedication to the care of the dogs and her commitment to ongoing learning.

"We received an amazing number of nominations for the award this year but Siobhan’s positivity and commitment to the course really stood out.”

The Pet Industry Federation Awards are the most coveted awards in the UK pet industry, recognising and rewarding inspirational success stories over the past 12 months.

The Ayrshire Grooming Salon in Princes Street is owned and managed by Pamela and became a grooming school in March 2020 having been open for four years.