All HITO hairdressing, barbering, and beauty therapy apprentices can enter their regional category. The regions are:

Northern: Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Gisborne

Central: Taranaki, Hawkes Bay, Manawatu-Whanganui, Wellington, Nelson, Marlborough

Southern: Tasman, West Coast, Canterbury, Otago, Southland

This year, HITO will be awarding a total of three Apprentice of the Year awards. Each region (Northern, Central, and Southern) will have one winner.

Each regional winner will receive the title of 2024 Apprentice of the Year and $2500 towards professional development.

The 2024 Apprentices of the Year will:

• Have a strong work ethic – this award is not just about being the most technically skilled hairdresser, barber, or beauty therapist.
• Show commitment to training, set their own goals, and give examples of how they’d like to contribute to the industry.
• Be a great role model to prospective and current apprentices, people in their community, and the industry.
• Complete training plans and unit standards in the required timeframe, as set by their Sales and Training Advisor.
• Have the confidence to support, represent, and champion HITO and apprenticeship training.
• Be an advocate for apprenticeships and explain the importance of being an apprentice.
• Consider the presentation of their submission.

Your entry should cover the following questions:

1. Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship?
2. What do you love most about your job?
3. What does being a successful apprentice look like to you?
4. What has been you greatest training achievement to date?
5. How have you successfully overcome training obstacles?
6. What motivates you to perform to your best ability and achieve the best results in your work?
7. What other activities outside of your workplace have you been involved in to grow your skills?
8. How do you use social media to boost your profile?
9. Give two (2) examples of how you contribute to a positive work environment.
10. Name two (2) goals you have for the future and how you plan to achieve them.
11. How would you support HITO and other apprentices if you won Apprentice of the Year?
12. Why should we select you as Apprentice of the Year?

You’ll also need to submit at least two written references. References should reflect the qualities we’re looking for in the Apprentices of the Year, and verify the statements you’ve made.

Tip: Ensure references are from your employer, senior stylists, clients, and/or someone who knows you well. 

Make your entry stand out by getting creative and carefully considering the presentation of your submission.

Please note: Written entries must not exceed 1500 words and videos must not exceed 5 minutes.

1. Download and complete the entry form.
2. Create your entry.
3. Send your entry and completed entry form to:
   HITO Awards
   Level 2, 107 Customhouse Quay
   Wellington 6011
   or email marketing@hito.org.nz

Yes! It is free for all HITO apprentices to enter their regional Apprentice of the Year awards.

We’ll be announcing the line up of judges for the 2024 HITO Apprentice of the Year awards soon.

At all stages, judges score independently of other judges.

• Stage one of judging is carried out by HITO representatives. HITO will verify your progress and achievements upon receipt of entry.
  • Tip: Make sure you answer all the questions outlined in the above criteria.
• Stage two of judging is carried out by hair, beauty, and barbering industry representatives. During this stage, a shortlist of finalists are identified.

Finalists will be announced in October 2024. Due to the number of entries, only finalists will be notified of the status of their entry via email.

The winners will be invited to and announced at the regional HITO Graduation events:

Southern: Sunday 3 November, Christchurch Art Gallery, Christchurch

Central: Sunday 10 November, Wharewaka Function Centre, Wellington

Northern: Sunday 17 November, The Cordis, Auckland

By entering you agree to abide by the competition rules.

• Entrants must be a current HITO apprentice, progressing in their apprenticeship, and have a current HITO training plan.
• All hairdressing, barbering, and beauty therapy apprentices are eligible to apply for the regional Apprentice of the Year awards.
• The regions for each award are:
  • Northern: Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Gisborne.
  • Central: Taranaki, Hawkes Bay, Manawatu-Whanganui, Wellington, Nelson, Marlborough.
  • Southern: Tasman, West Coast, Canterbury, Otago, Southland.
• Please submit a high resolution, horizontal (landscape) photo of yourself with your entry, emailed to marketing@hito.org.nz
• Entries and supporting documents are due by 31 August 2024. No entries will be accepted after this date.
• The judges’ decisions are final and no correspondence will be entered in to. Judges are unable to provide individual feedback.
• Shortlisted finalists may be required to verify the information they have submitted if evidence provided is not sufficient. All information received and submitted is confidential.
• Finalists will be announced in October 2024. Due to the number of entries, only finalists will be notified of the status of their entry via email.
• Winners will be announced at the regional HITO Graduation events in November 2024.

If you have any questions, please contact your Sales and Training Advisor or HITO Support at support@hito.org.nz or (04) 499 1180.