Making up the perfect training programme

Thanks to completing a Beauty and Make-Up STAR course at WITT Te Pūkenga last year, Sacred Heart Girls' College (SHGC) ākonga Myah Newton has discovered the career path for her.

She says she had an interest in the beauty industry from a young age, but the taster course confirmed she was on the right track.

Myah has used her experience at WITT to plan her educational journey and work ambitions. This year, as a Year 12 student, Myah attends Trades Academy Salon and 3+2 Beauty and Makeup at WITT and next year she plans on completing the Level 4 Beauty Therapy programme. The following year she will do the Level 5 programme with the aim of working in the beauty industry in 2026.

“I love WITT, it’s fun and a different environment to school,” she says.

With a part-time reception role at the Caci Clinic, Myah’s able to get first-hand industry experience to complement her training.

“I can see how qualifications in hair and beauty open up lots of jobs,” says Myah.

SHGC Head of Pathways Warwick Foy says: “This is fabulous success for a young woman who knows what she wants and has done the work to get there. Well done Myah.”

STAR courses are short taster-style classes designed for secondary school ākonga to explore career options and plan their future work and study while they are still in a school environment. The courses are generally one to nine weeks long and see the student on campus for a few days in total. The Trades Academy courses are a step up and see students attend WITT Te Pūkenga at least one day a week over several terms and gain NCEA credits.