Overview
*Subject to NZQA approval.
Students will gain the fundamental hairdressing and customer service skills that will allow them to begin a hairdressing apprenticeship.
You've got style
Get ready to be a professional stylist! You’ll be based in our purpose-built salon, working with real customers, learning key techniques while you develop your customer service skills and the confidence you need to succeed.
What you will learn
This programme is equivalent to completing the first year of an industry apprenticeship and will teach you key hairdressing skills like long hair styling, colouring, blow-waving, foils, setting hair and an introduction to cutting. You’ll also learn about hairdressing products and how to sell them as well as focusing on customer service, communication and personal presentation.
You will learn a wide range of hairdressing skills at a beginner level including:
- Assisting the stylist during services
- Professional code of ethics
- Consultation procedure
- Long hair styling
- Hair products and maintenance
- Self-styling: Appropriate hair, clothing, make-up.
Workload & schedule
Our class hours are Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday with additional self-directed learning (which may be spent at NorthTec or on work experience or studying from home).
The first two terms of the programme (Semester 1) are a mixture of theory and practical focusing on four courses:
The last two terms (Semester 2) are again a mixture of theory and practical and focus on the remaining four courses:
Practical skills are first built on mannequin heads progressing to clients as you build your skills and then onto time spent in the salon working on clients in a commercial salon setting at NorthTec, skill-building and progressing towards final assessments.
Additional costs
- Students are required to wear a uniform, we recommend purchasing TWO at a cost of approximately $100.
- Black pants and closed in shoes are a requirement.
- Kit is included in the fees for year 1 students. Year 2 students are required to add items to this kit (e.g. radial brushes and clippers are two of the items).
- Basic stationery including a USB is also required
These, along with the other items, can be purchased either through NorthTec or by the students however they must be professional hairdressing brands. The GHD company also offer straighteners to students at a greatly reduced price and many students purchase these through course-related costs.
Career opportunities and pathways
- Hairdressing (apprenticeship training contracts)
- Retail sector
- Hairdressing product companies
- Hairdressing technician
- Hairdressing tutor
- Cruise ships
- Film, stage and television
- Hairdressing consultant
Entry Requirements
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to understand follow, and respond to instructions given in English.
- be physically able to complete the programme specific outcomes
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level.
- be physically able to complete the programme-specific outcomes.
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level.
- be physically able to complete the programme-specific outcomes.
Applicants for whom English is not a first language must have an IELTS score of 5 with no band score lower than 5; or an accepted international equivalence.
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level.
- be physically able to complete the programme-specific outcomes.
Applicants for whom English is not a first language must have an IELTS score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5; or an accepted international equivalence.
Intakes & Applications
Dates & Bookings
Youth Guarantee Fund*
If you are aged 16 to 24, you could study for FREE as part of the government's Youth Guarantee fund. To qualify for the Youth Guarantee fund, you must meet the following criteria:
- Complete an application for a course that is covered by the Youth Guarantee fund.
- Be a NZ citizen or permanent resident.
- Be 16 to 24 years old at the time the course starts. Learners who are 15 years old and hold Ministry approved early leaving exemption from their school may also be eligible. This exemption must be in place before the course starts.
Priority places will be given to students who:
- have not yet achieved NCEA Level 1 or NCEA Level 2; or
- have completed a Level 1 or Level 2 qualification through a Youth Guarantee provision programme.
All free study is subject to funding confirmation. Proof of residency status is required. Programme entry criteria may apply. Eligibility for student allowances or student loans may vary. Contact Studylink for more information.
* All fees and study costs found on this website are indicative course fees only and exclude the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF) levy.
The 2025 CSSF levy is $300 per full-time equivalent student (120 credits) and funds key services for students.
Prices are in New Zealand Dollars including GST, and are for domestic students only, unless otherwise stated. For programmes longer than one academic year in duration, the fees quoted are for the first year. Final study costs depends on a number of factors including the courses you select to study. All fees and study costs are subject to confirmation, including zero fees courses.
Courses and programmes may be cancelled, postponed or have their content or configuration changed from time to time (including during the academic year) at the discretion of NorthTec. See our full Terms and conditions.
Additional Information
Employment Pathways
About Te Pūkenga
Following the Government’s announcement of its intention to disestablish Te Pūkenga | New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, please be assured that your programme of study or training will continue as planned while we work through the details of how this change will be implemented.
We are committed to ensuring that organisational changes that need to be made to meet the Government’s expectations do not impact the delivery of our programmes and training for our learners and employers.
If you need access to learner support services or have any concerns, please contact us.
