Great news for Year 3 and Year 4 continuing apprentices!

Most continuing HITO Year 3 and Year 4 apprentices will not have to pay fees during 2024.

The New Zealand Hair and Beauty Industry Training Organisation Board Fund will continue to cover most Year 3 and Year 4 HITO apprentice fees for 2024.

This means no fees for eligible Year 3 and Year 4 HITO apprentices until after 31 December 2024. This opportunity is open to continuing apprentices who meet the terms and conditions.

Terms and Conditions

  1. The New Zealand Hair and Beauty Industry Training Organisation Board Fund is only available towards Year 3 and Year 4 apprenticeship fees for the months of your apprenticeship that occur in the 2024 year. For example, if you become a Year 3 apprentice on 1 February 2024, 11 months of your full apprenticeship fee will be covered by the fund. If you become a Year 3 apprentice on 1 October 2024, 3 months of your full apprenticeship fee will be covered by the fund.
  2. Contributions from the NZ Hair and Beauty Industry Training Organisation Board Fund are not transferable or redeemable in cash and can only be used toward HITO apprenticeship fees.
  3. Only apprentices continuing in an apprenticeship from Year 2 or 3 that are not covered by the Government’s Fees Free scheme will have their fees paid by the NZ Hair and Beauty Industry Training Organisation Board Fund. See Fees Free eligibility criteria at feesfree.govt.nz.
  4. Employers, those on a visa or those classified as non-funded apprentices by TEC are not eligible to have their apprenticeship fees paid by the NZ Hair and Beauty Industry Training Organisation Board Fund.
  5. Apprentices can only continue to get their fees paid by the NZ Hair and Beauty Industry Training Organisation Board Fund if they meet the progression terms and conditions outlined in their training agreement.
  6. HITO reserves the right, at any time and without prior notice, to amend these terms and conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who will be eligible to have their fees paid by the NZ Hair and Beauty Industry Training Organisation Board Fund in 2024?
All Year 3 and Year 4 continuing learners in a HITO Hairdressing apprenticeship who meet the terms and conditions are eligible. Employers, visa holders and others classified by TEC as non-funded are not eligible. New apprentices starting in Year 3 or 4 are not eligible, only those continuing with their apprenticeship.

How do I find out if I’m eligible for the Government’s Fees Free scheme?
You can check your eligibility by entering your NSN at www.feesfree.govt.nz/

Can I get my fees paid by the NZ Hair and Beauty Industry Training Organisation Board 2023 Fund first and then use my ‘Fees Free’ scheme entitlement for something else?
No, your Government Fees Free entitlement must be used first before you can access the NZ Hair and Beauty Industry Training Organisation Board Fund. This fund has been set up specifically for Year 3 and Year 4 apprentices who do not have any access to the Government Fees Free scheme in the 2024 year.

What happens to my fees payment if I don’t meet my progression requirements?
If an apprentice fails to meet their progression requirements as set out in the training agreement terms and conditions, HITO reserves the right to withdraw the funding and charge the apprentices the remaining 2024 fees for the continuing with their apprenticeship.

Will there be funds available from NZ Hair and Beauty Industry Training Organisation Board to cover fees in 2025 if my apprenticeship goes beyond 2024?
No, the NZ Hair and Beauty Industry Training Organisation Board Fund has been set aside to cover 2024 fees for Year 3 and Year 4 continuing apprentices who are not eligible for the Government’s Fees Free scheme. After 31 December 2024, the apprentice will be responsible for paying the fees to cover any additional months of their apprenticeship.

How much will I have to pay if my apprenticeship goes on beyond 2024?
For hairdressing apprentices continuing beyond 2024, the total amount owed by an apprentice is calculated from the time you signed on for the full capped amount of 3.5 years (42 months) of the apprenticeship less the amount already paid. Note: Regardless of how long the apprenticeship takes, the fees are capped at the recommended timeframe for the apprenticeship which is 3.5 years for hairdressing.

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