Success Stories

Jo is the proud owner of Radiance Skin and Day Spa, whose ethos is to “help people feel confident and comfortable within themselves—not just in how they look, but in how they carry themselves, how they feel inside.”

Since 2021, Jo has been passionately training apprentices. She believes in the importance of supporting the next generation of beauty therapists and advocates for being part of training from the beginning “I have a particular way I like to approach beauty therapy – focused on care, detail, and high standards – and when you teach that from day one, it becomes second nature. It’s a great way to build confident, skilled therapists who align with the values and quality I believe in.”

Jo loves watching the journey of growth apprentices go through “in both skill and self-belief, seeing their pride in their work develop over time, and knowing I’ve played a part in shaping their journey is incredibly fulfilling and one of the most rewarding parts of what I do”.

One of the benefits of training and employing apprentices is that Jo has been able to build a solid, tiered pricing system. She says this approach “ensures that we can cater to different budgets while still providing high-quality treatments” to make Radiance Skin and Day Spa’s services “more accessible to a wider range of people”, all while creating valuable learning opportunities for apprentices.

When looking for apprentices she believes that it’s all about a person’s qualities “skills can be taught” but “attitude, empathy and the way a person connects with others” are key to being a great beauty therapist.

Jo’s advice for anyone considering an apprenticeship is to go for it! “It’s a hands-on, rewarding way to learn, grow your confidence, and start a career where you get to make others feel amazing every day. Plus, you get paid while you learn!!! WHAT A BONUS.”

Kelvin grew up in Vietnam and moved to New Zealand as a teenager to pursue new opportunities “My Vietnamese name is Ngoc Minh, which means a bright pearl.” He was drawn to an apprenticeship because he sees it as a clear training pathway where he is able to learn and grow constantly.

A memorable moment in his hair apprenticeship journey was being selected to work at the Melbourne Fashion Festival. During the week-long event, he learnt new styling techniques and soaked up the atmosphere, his highlight was working with a variety of different models and witnessing the teamwork between everyone.

Kelvin’s favourite skill is the blow wave. His salon focuses heavily on blow wave finishing and he has constantly learnt to improve it during his apprenticeship, “getting good feedback and clients’ special requests to blow wave their hair has made me really happy and grateful for our amazing clients”.

This dedication to constant improvement and passion for hair saw Kelvin recognised as the Central Apprentice of the Year 2024. His advice to apprentices is “Try your best – Trust the process and enjoy the journey – It is ok to make mistakes, it is a part of growth – Get out of your comfort zone and try something new.”

The appeal of a beauty therapy apprenticeship and what it offers was undeniable for Lucy, she loves the fact that you get hands-on experience in a clinic with real clients, and that you are learning on the job, all whilst being trained by qualified therapists. “I love the way with an apprenticeship, you are work-ready when you are qualified, as you have two years’ experience working and learning in a clinic”.

Lucy has a passion for brows, from regular brow tint and shape, to learning hybrid brows, she says, “being able to transform someone’s eyebrows and having them put their trust into me feels very rewarding.” Recently, she has been perfecting the relaxing experience and enjoying learning all things skin.

She continues to be inspired by her boss at FACE Body + Beauty Balclutha Annalysse, “the dedication she puts into her work and business is inspiring and while doing all that, she has put her time and effort into training me and giving me amazing opportunities to thrive to be the best”.

Lucy’s passion and work ethic was recognised when she was awarded the Southern Apprentice of the Year 2024. Her advice to apprentices is “always remind yourself that you are learning, and some things take time. It can be stressful and nerve-wrecking doing an apprenticeship, but I’ve found having goals and a plan ahead has been so helpful to ease the stress of juggling everything that is new to you.”.

Alice’s hairdressing journey started at 16 years of age, when she moved to Auckland with a clear goal to pursue makeup and hairdressing. The opportunity of earning while learning was a key driver for her as she began her apprenticeship.

Since working at Ryder salon in Auckland, Alice has developed a passion for mastering balayage techniques as a form of creativity with colour. She has future aspirations to use her apprenticeship qualification and the skills she has learnt to become more involved in the fashion and editorial side of the industry.

Alice says her biggest inspiration throughout her apprenticeship journey is her younger self “5 years ago I would’ve never thought I’d be where I’m at now and I’m super proud of myself.”

“Advice I’d give to someone starting a HITO apprenticeship is to stay committed to the hard work, the payoff is rewarding”. Alice was one of the winners of the Northern Apprentice of the Year award 2024. “This award is a reflection of all the hard work I’ve put in since I started my apprenticeship and towards completing my HITO qualification.”

Since starting her business 10 years ago, Trish has become a dedicated trainer to a number of apprentices. “You simply cannot run a salon without them. Having apprentices really pushes me to always refine systems and processes for the salon and business to continue to run more streamlined,” explains Trish. “Not only do apprentices see things differently, but you are also always sending them off to courses and then when you are with them, you will learn so much from them. They are worth their weight in gold!”

Trish’s advice to other trainers is to be consistent. “People love structure,” she says. “Plan ahead for your training and make sure you do it no matter what it is. It’s much easier to find employees when you are well known for training because it seems to be the number one thing that people crave.”

As an advocate for being fully qualified in this industry, Trish believes being qualified shows stylists have the standard of hairdressing that enables them to run a full column. “Getting everything together to actually pass your final assessment is a massive achievement and you then have that qualification for life and the world is your oyster!”

This dedication and passion for training was recognised when Trish was awarded Trainer of the Year 2023 at The Industry Awards in November. “I was absolutely thrilled to win Industry Trainer of the Year,” says Trish. “It is a lot of work, so to be recognised at the Industry Awards was the cherry on top.”

Reds Hair was established in 1998 and has been running for over 20 years. It was then purchased by staff members, Nic and Jenna, in 2020 who have focused on training and team building, taking this workplace to the next level.

Reds Hair is committed to their staff becoming 100% qualified, especially through the HITO apprenticeship programme. “Apprenticeships are the future of our business; we depend on new stylists coming through our training programme and going on to be successful stylists,” says Jenna. “Without them, our industry will come to a standstill.”

The team at Reds Hair were stoked to win Workplace of the Year at The Industry Awards 2023. “It was great to know we are heading in the right track in terms of creating a nurturing space for our next generation of stylists. You can feel quite isolated as business owners and wonder if you’re doing the right thing. So, it felt great getting that peer recognition.”

Being a creative problem solver and preferring a hands-on, practical learning style meant that “an apprenticeship ticked all the boxes” for Alexandra. She has been working hard since starting her apprenticeship in 2020 and chasing a variety of opportunities to broaden her skills such as attending additional styling and colouring classes, running a haircut fashion show, speaking at a business conference and more!

Alexandra entered The Industry Awards 2023 to both challenge herself and to give herself recognition of how hard she has worked throughout her apprenticeship. “Entering this award also gave me an opportunity reflect on my achievements and begin thinking about my future in this industry.”

These achievements were recognized when Alexandra was awarded Hairdressing Apprentice of the Year 2023. “It was an incredibly validating experience to be recognized for all my hard work; I am truly very grateful” says Alexandra.

With a love for the constant evolving nature of the hairdressing industry, Alexandra is excited to finish her apprenticeship and then focus on her future. With a passion for crafting rockstar and rascal hair styles and an interest in education, there is nothing holding Alexandra back – “Dream big, right?”.

Over time, Shelly’s passion for beauty grew. However “the struggle was once I started working I could not see myself stopping to study and to end up with a student loan,” says Shelly.

Flashforward to only 14 months ago when Shelly came across a Facebook ad from a beauty clinic looking for an apprentice – getting paid while learning was the magic combo Shelly was hoping for. “Upon signing up for the apprenticeship with HITO, I came across the most amazing support system, education and hands on learning.”

Grateful for the people who were supporting her on her apprenticeship journey, Shelly entered The Industry Awards 2023 as a show of dedication. “I wanted my supporters to know that I am giving this my all and that the chances they have taken on me will not go to waste.”

Shelly was a first-time attendee at The Industry Awards. “I had no idea what to expect… the closer it got to the announcement, the more my anxiety kicked in… finally it got to beauty therapy apprentice of the year award…my heart was racing, hands were sweating, I was so nervous. And there it was! My name! I did it! I was so overwhelmed with a ridiculous amount of emotion. Happy, relieved, shocked, joy, excitement, gratitude.”

Shelly is excited to continue her career in beauty therapy. “My main goal is to focus on my studies and gain as much knowledge as I can so I can help educate my clients in caring for their bodies and skin and become the best version of myself,” says Shelly. “It’s the joy it can bring to the clients that makes me love this industry.”

As a hands-on, practical, and creative learner, Bella decided to work towards her qualification through a HITO apprenticeship. “You get paid to learn with an apprenticeship, and you gain real salon experience too,” says Bella. “One of my favourite things about the industry is having such a wide variety of people in my clientele.”

One of Bella’s biggest inspirations is her employer Janine Simons, owner of Mane Salon in Wellington. “Janine is a great example of what it looks like to be successful in the industry across lots of aspects,” says Bella. “I love being able to be a part of an amazing family in our salon.”

Once qualified, Bella hopes to get into hair for film, photoshoots, and events, and one day own her own salon. “The fact that the hair industry has so many different creative opportunities keeps me inspired! I love being able to let my creativity do it’s thing.”

At The Industry Awards 2022, Bella’s creativity and skill earned her the Editorial Stylist of the Year – Next Generation award.

“It’s been a career, never just a job,” says Heidi. “I’m constantly challenged and excited by the industry. I truly believe in the quote, “Never stop learning”.”

Becoming an Industry Assessor was an important step for Heidi, who wanted to give back to the industry that has supported her throughout her career.

“I believe in our qualification and ensuring that the standard is met,” says Heidi. “Be proud to hold the certificate that represents all the hard work that goes in to training and achieving the qualification.”

Heidi’s dedication to HITO and the industry were recognised at The Industry Awards 2022, where she was awarded the title of Industry Assessor of the Year.

Starting out barbering in his garage, he quickly realised he needed more guidance, and began training as a HITO apprentice at The Barber Lounge in Christchurch.

“I wanted to train and get qualified but being 26 and having bills to pay meant I couldn’t take time out to do a course,” says James. “A HITO apprenticeship gave me the flexibility to learn, work and earn at the same time.”

In 2022, James’ passion and drive earned him the Barbering Apprentice of the Year award at The Industry Awards.

After completing high school and working full time for a while, Teegan decided that she wanted a qualification under her belt. Her familiarity with the beauty industry meant a career in beauty was her first choice. When looking into different study options, Teegan discovered HITO and beauty therapy apprenticeships.

“Working in a real clinic made study a lot less daunting,” says Teegan. “You’ve got qualified beauty therapists around you in the clinic every day; there is always someone you can call out to for help, so you don’t feel like you’re doing it on your own.”

In 2022, Teegan completed her apprenticeship and gained the New Zealand Certificate in Beauty Therapy (Level 4).

After leaving school and completing a hairdressing apprenticeship, Janine travelled and worked as a stylist on cruise liners, before returning to Wellington and purchasing her own salon at the age of 24.

Now the owner of MANE Salon, Janine’s passion is for hair is closely followed by her passion for people and education. “Our workplace motto is to create a sense of belonging and true self confidence,” says Janine. “Apprentices are the future of our industry – through them we can ensure we elevate and grow the hairdressing industry.”

For Janine, training apprentices is a learning experience for both the apprentice and trainer. “It is a privilege to be a part of the first steps in their hairdressing career,” says Janine. “As much as they may learn from me, I certainly learn just as much from them!”

Janine’s commitment to training and the hairdressing industry was recognized at The Industry Awards 2022, where she won Industry Trainer of the Year, and MANE Salon won Workplace of the Year and Excellence in Marketing.

With naturally curly hair, Sadie had always wished she had a stylist who knew exactly how to treat her curls. This wish turned into a mission to become a stylist that her younger self would feel confident in trusting with her hair.

After a year of study, Sadie decided to take the leap and start training through a HITO apprenticeship. An apprenticeship allowed Sadie to be fully immersed in the industry, gain real work experience, and earn a wage, all while working towards a nationally recognized qualification.

Throughout her apprenticeship, Sadie has developed a love for encouraging self-expression and natural beauty. “I have found my niche market in branding myself as a curly stylist. It feels great to hone the skills I’ve learnt as an apprentice into a skillset that reflects who I am.”

In 2022, Sadie’s passion and drive was recognized when she was awarded Hairdressing Apprentice of the Year at The Industry Awards 2022. “Entering the Apprentice of the Year category gave me a chance to reflect on my journey and I’m so proud of how far I’ve come,” says Sadie. “There’s no limit of what you can do within the industry!”

Jodie has worked as a HITO Industry Assessor since 2019, as a way for her to contribute to the future of her industry by sharing her knowledge and passion with future beauty professionals.

“I’m hugely passionate about upholding a high standard of knowledge in our industry,” says Jodie. “Treatments are changing and becoming more advanced, and beauty professionals need a solid base of knowledge to build on.”

Jodie also currently employs three beauty therapy apprentices at her beauty clinic in Kawerau, who she says are an amazing asset to her business. Her love of teaching makes training apprentices a rewarding part of her job.

“I wanted to share the opportunity to locals in my community, who otherwise wouldn’t have been able to study. All three of my apprentices are mothers, so being able to study while earning is a huge draw card for them.”

After completing a hairdressing apprenticeship and working as a qualified hairdresser for a number of years, Sarah was wanting more from her career. While the hairdressing industry taught her valuable skills and experience, her heart was somewhere else.

Sarah followed her heart and moved into the beauty industry, starting her career in nails, before going on to complete training as a cosmetic tattoo artist.

Wanting to continue to grow her skills as a beauty therapist and continue training, Sarah signed into a HITO apprenticeship at Radiance Skin and Day Spa in Cromwell. As a mum of three young children, working full time in the industry while also working towards a Level-4 qualification through an apprenticeship made it possible for Sarah to take the leap into her dream career.

During a meeting with her boss, Sarah set herself a goal of becoming Beauty Therapy Apprentice of the Year. At The Industry Awards 2022, this goal became a reality.

“Entering was totally out of my comfort zone, but it was the push I needed. It shows that following your heart and having a positive mindset works!”

As an apprentice, Antonio learned the basics of reception and front-of-house duties, before being on the tools. He developed a great work ethic being in a real working environment and learned valuable skills from senior barbers on the floor.

“The more fun you have while providing a service, the less it feels like a job,” says Antonio. “The customer experience is the most important – to make people look and feel great when they leave the barbershop.”

Looking ahead, Antonio hopes to one day open his own barbershop and pass his on his knowledge to the next generation of barbers. “Be reliable and committed to the craft, as there is lots to learn and it will reward you.” In 2021, Antonio took out the coveted Barbering Apprentice of the Year award, a testament to his ambition and drive to succeed in the industry.

With over 40 years of experience in the beauty industry, Oonagh has worked as a beauty therapist, owned her own business, held positions on committees and boards, tutored future beauty professionals, and helped develop programmes and qualifications. With so much experience under her belt, the next step for Oonagh was to become a HITO Industry Assessor.

“Becoming an Industry Assessor seemed like a natural progression after such significant experience in the field,” says Oonagh. “I consider it a huge privilege to be part of the candidates learning journey.”

To apprentices about to sit their practical assessments, Oonagh’s words of advice are “to reduce any nervousness you might feel when you are being assessed, make sure your trainer checks all your practical work in the weeks leading up to your assessment. Consider several practice runs under assessment conditions so you feel super confident on the day!”

“The salon environment is one of the most supportive, creative and exciting workplaces,” says Danielle.

Now in the second year of her apprenticeship, Danielle has appreciated the hands-on training she has received as an apprentice. “I get to witness how a salon functions, which has allowed me to learn quickly and efficiently while maintaining a healthy work and study balance.”

To future apprentices, Danielle says “Don’t be scared to take the first step. The industry is full of people who are dedicated to nurturing your growth and helping you succeed.”

“I love creating connections and relationships with clients,” says Bradley. “If I can make someone’s day one percent better by giving them a great haircut or having an interesting conversation – that’s a job well done.”

As the winner of 2020 Barbering Apprentice of the Year, Bradley showed wisdom beyond his years, a strong journey and the understanding of what it takes to be a great barber. Bradley believes this achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the support of his workplace, who pride themselves on employing fully qualified barbers.

Now a fully qualified barber himself, Bradley believes an apprenticeship is a no brainer. “Just do it! Develop your skills and gain an internationally recognized qualification at the same time.”