HITO Gateway Programmes
We offer five work-based programmes and five theory-only programmes.
HITO’s Gateway Programme is a great way for secondary school students to experience first-hand what it’s like to work in the hairdressing, barbering and beauty therapy industries.
HITO offer unit standards specifically designed for secondary school students. Students gain credits and a real practical understanding of these industries to help them make informed choices about their future.

Work-based Programmes
Students enrolled in work-based programmes spend time in a salon, clinic or barbershop learning practical skills to support the theory workbooks.
Programme | Level | Credits | Cost (excl.GST) |
---|---|---|---|
Hairdressing | 2 | 22 | $425 |
Beauty Therapy | 2 | 20 | $425 |
Barbering | 2 | 20 | $425 |
Hairdressing *NEW* | 3 | 18 | $425 |
Make Up and Skincare *NEW* | 3 | 21 | $425 |
Theory-only Programmes
No work placement is required for these programmes.
Programme | Level | Credits | Cost (excl.GST) |
---|---|---|---|
Hairdressing | 2 | 20 | $425 |
Hairdressing and Beauty | 2, 3 | 20 | $425 |
Hairdressing Reduced Credit | 2 | 7 | $225 |
Beauty Reduced Credit | 3 | 10 | $225 |
Barbering *NEW* | 3 | 7 | $225 |
Gateway Forms
This document is an overview of the 2025 Schools Gateway Programmes offered by HITO and their corresponding units.
This is the Memorandum of Agreement for the HITO Schools Gateway Programme. You need to fill out one form per school.
This is the Student Enrolment Form for the 2025 HITO Schools Gateway Programme. You need to fill out one form per student.
Gateway FAQ’s
Contact us (04) 499 1180 or email support@hito.org.nz. We will send you a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and enrolment forms. These must be signed and returned to HITO. HITO will send training materials to the school.
The school is responsible for finding a placement. HITO Sales and Training Advisors may be able to assist if they know employers seeking a Gateway student.
When a student completes a unit, the Gateway Coordinator sends a copy of the assessment portion to HITO for marking. A HITO Industry Marker will mark the units and notify the school of the outcome of marking.
HITO will register the units with NZQA. HITO will send the school a “Confirmation of Achievement”.
Once all units are achieved the student is awarded a certificate of achievement by HITO.

Apprenticeships
If your student has enjoyed their Gateway programme, an apprenticeship could be their next step. Students can start an apprenticeship straight from school, or any time during the school year, from the age of 16.
Apprenticeships are the smart choice for young people who want a recognised tertiary qualification in the hair and beauty industry.
Want to know more about Gateway?
Contact HITO on (04) 499 1180 or email support@hito.org.nz for more information.