Q&A, Carlos Taurau Northern Barber Apprentice of the Year

“Advice I would give to someone starting their apprenticeship would be to take advantage of having experienced barbers around you.”

Can you tell us about yourself?

I’m Carlos, born and raised in the suburb of Point Chevalier, Auckland. I completed level 3 barbering in 2020 at Servilles Academy. I went on to do hairdressing and realised I preferred to cut hair specifically rather than colouring, etc. I then took a break from the industry for about 18 months; I had my name put forward thanks to my friend Maddy, who was working at Maloney’s at the time, and I have been at Maloney’s since Oct ‘23.

What attracted you to this industry?
What attracted me to the industry was the environment of the barbershop. I love being able to be myself in the barbershop, having tattoos, and wearing the clothes I want. I love working with a team who all give the best service and cuts to our clients. Being able to work with my hands and be creative is very rewarding.

What’s your favourite skill you’ve mastered during your apprenticeship?
I wouldn’t say I’ve mastered any technique at this point in my career, but I feel confident doing scissor over comb. I use this in 99% of my haircuts, even if I’m just tapering the sides and using it for the finishing touches of a haircut. I’ve always liked how you can get a soft finish using the scissors over comb technique and I feel confident using it on majority of clients.

What advice would you give to someone starting a HITO apprenticeship?
Advice I would give to someone starting their apprenticeship would be to take advantage of having experienced barbers around you. What I mean by that is to ask them questions because they will have gone through the same hiccups you’ll face. I had barbers around me who had no less than 12 years’ experience when I started cutting at Maloney’s, and that was so beneficial to me. There’s only so much you can learn from platforms online, and you will have very niche questions that you probably can’t find the answer to other than by asking.

What was a memorable moment in your apprenticeship?
A memorable moment in my apprenticeship has been completing my wet shave assessment. This was the unit I was most nervous for but once I completed and passed I felt a big sense of accomplishment which boosted my confidence in barbering (shout out to Antonio who walked me through every step and was patient with me!)

Who has been your biggest inspiration throughout your apprenticeship journey?
My biggest inspiration throughout my apprenticeship journey would have to be my Maloney’s barbers, both past and present. I have grown close to everyone at Maloney’s, but I would say a big part of my journey in my apprenticeship and barbering so far has been Adam Gorinski. Adam took me under his wing when I was training and became a really amazing mentor both in and outside of the shop. Any questions or concerns, Adam would guide me through. He really helped me through some rough patches I faced, he would stay behind helping me do training after hours so I was able to feel confident and ready for being on the shop floor. Thank you Gskii!

What does being awarded Apprentice of the Year mean to you?
Being awarded the Northern apprentice of 2025 has felt incredible. I feel so humbled and touched that my hard work over the last year has been recognised in this way. Just to be finished and recognised as a qualified barber has been amazing, but to be given this award has made me feel like the impossible is possible. I feel as if this was something I once felt out of my reach but now this has boosted my confidence incredibly. Thank you HITO and my beautiful team at Maloney’s barbershop I couldn’t have done it without you!