What can HITO offer the beauty industry?

There are currently 39 unit standards and five national qualifications registered under the beauty domain with NZQA.  These were first registered in February 1995.  The review of these qualifications is now commencing with national industry forums to gather feedback on current industry practice, and the establishment of the structure for an industry advisory group to review the qualifications.

National qualifications (as opposed to local qualifications) represent nationally agreed industry standards because the industry advisory group who develop the qualifications are nominated representatives of the New Zealand beauty industry who liaise with industry.

The use of an industry advisory group in the development of national qualifications assures trainees, employers and training providers that the qualification will be recognised across New Zealand, and represents agreed and recognised industry standards.

The HITO will work to ensure that all national qualifications developed by an industry advisory group reflect the standards and ethics agreed by the Beauty Industry.

Catching the interest of the next generation

There is potential for the development of standards for the Gateway programme as secondary school careers advisors have identified a high level of interest in students wanting to gain work experience in the beauty industry.  Currently there are no specific standards available for these students.  This could be an avenue that the beauty industry would wish to review as a way to attract school leavers into the beauty industry.

Board representation

The HITO is governed by a board of elected and appointed industry representatives. HITO will be extending the board to include beauty industry representation.

Moderation for beauty unit standards

A moderation system managed by HITO would ensure robust and informative feedback and dialogue on development of skills and best assessment practice, rather than an emphasis on identification of error.

Keeping up to date nationally and internationally

The involvement that the HITO has with an international group of standard setting organisations will also provide ongoing data regarding the currency of the beauty standards and serve to provide up to date changes in international trends.