Hairdressing Industry Training Organisation
VIDEO
INZONE
CONTACT US

Frequently Asked Questions

We have included some answers to questions we are commonly asked about apprenticeships. 

 

What subjects should I do at school that would be helpful for an apprenticeship?
English, Maths, Science and Art

What should my C.V. look like?
Your C.V. should be very visual, maybe with a photo of yourself.  It should include details of the part time jobs you've had and your hobbies and interest.  For more information on how to be put a CV together and what you should include follow this link to the 'Getting Started' page.

What kind of qualities do I need to become a hairdresser or barber?
Hard worker, good listener, quick learner, keen and willing, good communicator, love working with people, creative and artistic, a high standard of presentation, an interest in fashion & an out going personality.

How old do I have to be?
You need to have completed 3 years secondary/tertiary schooling and must be eligible to leave school.

What sort of things should I look for in a salon?
The skill & attitude of the staff working there, and the cleanliness of the salon. Also think about whether it is an environment in which you are comfortable.

When should I sign into my training agreement?

You should sign into your training agreement as soon as possible once you start your job.  This will ensure that you do not miss out on going to off job training for the year.

How much will I get paid while I am in an apprenticeship?
Because you will be getting training from your employer/trainer in the salon you are entitled to be  paid the minimum training wage of $9.00 per hour when you are signed into your training agreement.  If you have less than 60 credits left to complete when you start work and sign into a training agreement this does not apply as you should be requiring less training in the salon.

If you are working in a salon prior to signing into your training agreement then this minimum training wage does not apply.  You are entitled to either the minimum youth wage of $9.00 if you are between the ages of 16-18 and the minimum adult wage if you are 18 years or older.

You can contact the Labour Department's Employment Relations Infoline on 

0800 800 863 if you have any further questions regarding apprentice wages.

 

What does my employer have to do?
Provide a good working environment, provide and support regular training, supply positive and constructive feedback, instill professionalism, set a good example as a member of the hairdressing industry, maintain skill and knowledge of current hairdressing trends and industry standards.

Do I need to supply my own equipment?
You will need to buy your own hairdressing scissors. You may also want to get more of your own equipment, however salons usually provide the rest of the tools you will use.

How often do I need to go to Off Job Training?
For Hairdressing, Year One - 19 days, Year Two - 19 days and Year Three - 10 days.  For Barbering, Year One - 15 days, Year Two - 10 days

What are unit standards?
Unit standards specify the key skills and knowledge which learners must achieve. These are packaged to form qualifications.

What is Unit Standard 2759?
"Unit Standard 2759 - Perform Hairdressing Services in a  Commercial Salon". This unit standard involves collecting evidence of the clients you are servicing in the salon over a four-week continuous period and then a 1 hour observation of your daily work in the salon.   An Industry Assessor visits you by appointment to watch you at work with your clients.

 

What is Unit Standard 2757?
"Unit Standard 2757 - Apply Hairdressing Services Under Workplace Conditions".   This unit standard involves a 6 hour demonstration of your hairdressing skills in a salon environment.  The unit requires you to perform three hairdressing services.  They are the sorts of things you will be doing every day in the salon.

What does the Sales & Liaison Manager do?
Once an apprentice has signed a training agreement with their employer and the Hairdressing ITO, the Sales & Liaison Manager's job is to monitor training, offer information and advice to the employer and apprentice during the apprenticeship. The Sales & Liaison Manager will visit you in the salon at least twice a year and more often if required.   If you are having any problems in your apprenticeship, you can call and talk with your Sales & Liaison Manager.  Anything you tell them will be in confidence.

Do I need to have a written employment agreement?

Yes you do need an employment agreement.  It is a legal requirement that all employees have an employment agreement in place for the commencement of their employment.

Who do I go to get advice on an employment agreement?
Ring the Labour Department's Employment Relations Infoline on 0800 800 863, talk to a lawyer or visit a community law centre.

What is the difference between hairdressing and barbering?
A barber's focus is primarily on cutting hair, whereas a hairdresser provides a total service that may include colouring, perming or styling.

How do I get National Certificate?
Once you have achieved all the Unit Standards that make up a National Certificate, you can apply to HITO for a Certificate.  The cost of a National Certificate is $15.00.