Hairdressing, barbering and beauty therapy apprentices from across New Zealand have been recognised for their passion and dedication to their budding careers in the 2024 Regional HITO Apprentice of the Year awards.
First awarded in 2003, these annual awards recognise apprentices who show dedication to training, set and meet their goals, have a strong work ethic, and display a real passion for their career and industry. This year, the quality of entries was extremely high, and the judges were extremely impressed with how well entrants were able to talk about their journey as a HITO apprentice, what becoming qualified means to them, and their plans for building a successful career in their industry.
For 2024, the awards were regionalised into Northern, Central, and Southern categories. Throughout the month of November, three regional HITO graduation ceremonies were held in Christchurch (3 November), Wellington (10 November), and Auckland (17 November) for HITO graduates and their guests. Apprentice of the Year finalists from both hair and beauty backgrounds were invited along to their regional ceremony to be recognised for their achievement in front of family, friends, and industry.
“Combining our annual graduation with the Apprentice of the Year awards and holding three ceremonies across New Zealand allowed us to celebrate with more of our industry and graduates and their friends, family, and colleagues. We have had amazing feedback from those who attended,” says Kay Nelson, HITO Director. “Acknowledging the incredible work HITO apprentices do in and out of the workplace, while working full time and pursing their qualification, is extremely important to us.”
The judges found it difficult to narrow down to just one winner in each region, resulting in a total of five winners across the country. ‘Passion’ was a common theme in the judges’ comments, with finalists and winners describing and showing how they contribute to the future of their industries by being a role model to others and championing apprenticeship training.
Congratulations to the 2024 HITO Regional Apprentices of the Year:
Northern Apprentices of the Year
- Alice Howard – Ryder Salon, Auckland
- Shelly Dale – Bella-Me Skin and Body, Kawerau
Central Apprentice of the Year
- Kelvin Nguyen – Buoy Salon & Spa, Wellington
Southern Apprentices of the Year
- Sophie Steel – Venom Hair, Invercargill
- Lucy Greer – Face | Body & Beauty, Balclutha
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