What is an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is on-the-job training that leads towards a qualification. HITO offers apprenticeships in hairdressing, barbering and beauty therapy.

A HITO Training Agreement is a three-way agreement between the apprentice, their employer and HITO, who supports the apprenticeship journey.

An apprentice is a paid employee of a business. They work with a qualified trainer in their workplace to learn all the skills they need to become fully qualified and commercially viable. Hairdressing and barbering apprentices also attend Off-Job Training days organised by HITO at their nearest hairdressing or barbering school.

What do I need to take on an apprentice?

  • A qualified trainer. A trainer is a person who will train and supervise your apprentice. They must hold the same (or equivalent) qualification that the apprentice is working towards.
  • Time for training. Your apprentice does 95% of their training in the workplace. You will need to set aside time for training and coaching. The more time you invest into them, the sooner they will be bringing in their own clients to your business.
  • The right equipment. You must provide the suitable tools and equipment needed for your apprentice to learn every skill involved in their qualification.
  • Employment agreement between you and your apprentice. An apprentice must have an employment agreement and be employed for a minimum of 20 hours per week.

How can taking on an apprentice benefit my business?

Taking on an apprentice gives you the opportunity to grow your business, customer base and profit.

  • An apprentice can take over customer care and clinic or salon tasks, freeing up you and your senior staff to bring in more income and profit.
  • Apprentices build their own client base as they learn.
  • You can train an apprentice from day one to fit your clients and your brand.
  • Research shows employers see a return on investment after taking on an apprentice.
  • Succession planning – secure your staff for the future.

“The training and support we’ve put into our apprentices has been paid back tenfold in loyalty and an excellent work ethic. We still have three, now senior barbers on our team, who have contributed hugely to our business success. It’s a real win win!”

– Julian Maloney, Owner of Maloney’s Barbershop

Finding your apprentice

  • You can advertise for apprentices for free through the HITO Job Hub. We advertise our Job Hub to all potential apprentices and across our social channels.
  • Talk to your local school about students that may want to do the HITO Gateway programme.

Fees

  • HITO apprenticeships cost $1649 per year of training. Employers can arrange to pay fees on behalf of their apprentice, should they choose to do so.

First-time tertiary learner in 2025 may be able to get Fees Free for their final year of study or training. For more information about final-year Fees Free policy, visit FeesFree.govt.nz

Want to know more about the apprenticeships we offer? Visit our apprenticeships section now.

Apprenticeships
HITO