HITO - Hairdressing, Barbering and Beauty Therapy Apprenticeships

𝗛𝗜𝗧𝗢 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲: 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 📩

Ready to get started on your entry? Here's our top tips 👇

1️⃣ Plan your entry using the topics on page 2 of the entry form.

2️⃣ Your final submission should include:
✔️A completed entry form
✔️Your video or written entry
✔️A landscape photo of you
✔️One written reference (Apprentice and Trainer of the Year only)

3️⃣ Send your full submission to 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴@𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗼.𝗼𝗿𝗴.𝗻𝘇 by 𝟭𝟰 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁
📂 If your files are too large, you can share them via WeTransfer.com

Have more questions about the awards? Get in touch, we're here to help 📩

Meet Anna, HITO Assessor of the Year 2025! ✨🏆

Anna has been part of the hairdressing industry since she was 15 and describes the most memorable moment of her career as the day she became qualified.

"I remember that day so clearly. It honestly feels like it was only yesterday. The feeling and the rush of energy that went through me was unreal."

Since completing her apprenticeship, Anna has built an incredible career, winning multiple awards, serving as Hawke's Bay Hairdressing President, and supporting the next generation as a HITO assessor for over 20 years.

Her passion for assessing comes from her first hand understanding of training.
"I’ve always loved learning and helping others, so I wanted to give apprentices a positive experience and support them through their journey."

🔗To read the full article, click the link below.

Meet award winning Hairdressing apprentice, Mia from📍Méche Hair and Academy ✂️

Having recently taken home the title of New Zealand Colour and Style at the 2026 Curate Awards, Mia says she is passionate about pushing herself creatively.

"Winning was honestly insane! I felt so grateful and proud. There are so many incredibly talented people involved, so it was really special to be recognised alongside them."

She shares that she has grown so much as a stylist since first starting her apprenticeship with HITO. "The support from HITO, my trainers, and my salon has made such a difference throughout my apprenticeship journey."

Her advice to new apprentices? “Trust the process, be patient with yourself, and remember that confidence comes with time and practice.”

🔗To read the full article, visit the link below.

📢 𝗔𝘂𝗰𝗸𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 📢 There's still time to register your interest in the next 𝗛𝗜𝗧𝗢 𝘅 𝗣𝗶𝘃𝗼𝘁 𝗣𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁 Train the Trainer workshop!

📍 Auckland
📆 21st or 22nd June

𝗛𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗰𝘂𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 - The fundamentals of sculpture, including combination forms (short haircuts), texturising techniques using the 7 key concepts

𝗛𝗮𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁𝘆𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 - The fundamentals of design (styling), including fingerwaves and flat pincurls, multi strand braids and advanced long hair

These exclusive workshops help you, as a trainer, put key concepts into practice by using consistent terminology and a methodical approach to build confidence in your apprentices.

📩 Message us to register your interest today as spaces are limited!

Congratulations to Isla from True Grit, our June 100% Qualified competition winner! 🎉

Isla has won a $50 Prezzy Card and framed 100% Qualified certificate!

Isla has shown dedication and passion in completing her Hairdressing Level 4 apprenticeship. She is grateful to everyone who supported her to achieve her qualification. Congratulations, Isla! 🌟

We love sharing the success of our apprentices! For your chance to win a $50 Prezzy Card and one of our 100% Qualified certificates (valued at $100), share your 100% Qualified photo or video and tag 📸

𝗛𝗜𝗧𝗢 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲: 𝗧𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝘆 ✍️✔️

Stuck for ideas? Let your creativity shine! ⭐

There are many ways you can present your awards entry, including:
1️⃣ Speak directly to camera to share your answers in a more personal and authentic way.
2️⃣Showcase your work and training through videos and photos, paired with a voiceover.
3️⃣ Share your answers as a PowerPoint presentation.

If you have questions about submission requirements, we’re always happy to help. DM us with your queries 📩


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Balclutha Sales and Training Advisor Jo recently popped in to congratulate expo winner Annalysse and the team at FACE | Body & Beauty 🎉

Annalysse shared that she is so excited to attend the Beauty Expo Australia later in the year with Lucy, who has recently completed her apprenticeship with HITO.

"I am SO thrilled about this, I have no words to explain how much!" ✨

Meet Sarah, HITO Assessor of the Year 2025! ✂️🏆

From apprentice to senior stylist, tutor and salon owner, Sarah's long and varied career is an excellent testament for where hairdressing can take you.

"Hairdressing has been my first love, and I’m still as excited and passionate about it now as I was then."

As a two-time Assessor of the Year winner, Sarah is driven by her passion for the industry and giving back. Her aim as an assessor is to "Share my knowledge with the next generation of stylists, to help them feel secure in their knowledge and skills and to do so in a way that recognises and values the work they’ve put in."

Her advice for new apprentices? "Hairdressing is a supportive, creative industry. There will always be someone willing to help if you’re willing to put in the work." ⭐

🔗To read the full article, click the link below.

It is with sadness that the HISO Board and the management and staff of HITO share the news of the passing of former Chief Executive Erica Cu***ng on Wednesday 20th May.

Erica worked at HITO for 19 years in total, serving as a moderator, assessor and examiner then National Moderator before serving as Chief Executive for 13 of those years. Erica was a powerful advocate for the hairdressing and barbering Industries and was very instrumental in HITO, remaining a stand-alone ITO at the time when there were mergers of other small ITO’s happening.

Erica started her own journey as a hairdressing apprentice at 15 years old and went on to own her own business at just 19 in Southland. Erica’s journey contributed greatly to her passion for industry training and apprenticeships, and we are sure many of our industry will be saddened by this news.

HISO and HITO wish to acknowledge Erica’s service to our industries and apprenticeship training and send condolences to all her family and friends.

Swipe through to see some of the latest work from our talented HITO apprentices ✨

1. Fresh cut for .lamourhair's first client of the day ✂️
2. Dreamy balayage by .by.sarah24
3. Beautiful cut with face-framing by .hair
4. We loved watching Holly from 's first barber cut. Well done! 👏
5. Lovely layers by
6. Fresh red colour by .ellarose_
7. Dimensional colour by first year apprentice

We love cheering you on and celebrating every win along the way 💛
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