New Zealand Certificate in Hairdressing (Level 3)

Gain knowledge of salon culture, hierarchy and specific industry terminology as you begin your hairdressing career. Learn reception duties, salon support, elementary styling tasks, including blowdrying, moulding, setting and long hair ups and an introduction to cutting and colour treatments.

This programme is delivered three days per week. You are also required to complete a minimum of 80 hours of work experience in the hairdressing industry. Study includes three days per week on campus (one late night per week scheduled in the second half of the programme).

You will learn how to:

  • apply knowledge of salon culture, hierarchy and specific industry terminology to communicate appropriately with clients, peers and supervisors within the salon.
  • follow instructions and ensure observation of technical skills is respectful of the client experience.
    undertake limited reception duties, including appointment making, home hair care sales and maintenance of retail product displays.
  • apply knowledge of the key role a salon assistant plays to provide limited support services that contribute to the client journey through the salon.
  • perform a limited scope consultation, including hair and scalp analysis.
  • perform elementary styling tasks, including blow drying, moulding, setting and hair ups.
  • safely hold scissors, follow a pre-cut guide, comb and project the hair and maintain even tension on a mannequin.
  • mix, apply and remove a limited range of colour treatments as directed.
  • understand the process and basic principles when neutralising chemical reformation services.
  • meet the personal health and presentation requirements of the salon environment, and self-style in ways that promote current trends in fashion.
  • follow workplace health, safety, hygiene and environmental policies.
  • identify and report potential hazards to minimise the impact of workplace hazards in the salon environment.

Programme Specific Information

Programme length

This is a one-year full-time programme of study, or equivalent part-time. 

  • Open entry.

Class times

Classes are taught three days per week.

Assessments

This program me includes competency-based assignments, theory tests and practical assessments.

Work Experience

This programme has a requirement for students to undertake 80 hours work experience to enhance their formal learning.

Future Study Options:

New Zealand Certificate in Hairdressing, Emerging Stylist (level 4) or Professional Stylist (level 4) as part of an Industry apprenticeship.

Career Options

Apprentice hairdresser, pharmacy hair consultant.

Additional Expenses

  • Stationery - $100 (approx) per year
  • Uniform (Tunic) - $70 (approx) per year
  • Uniform/ personal presentation - $200 (approx). Includes shoes, pants/skirt, makeup and hair products)

**Reassessment/resubmission fee: At least $10 per performance criteria to a max of $50

Students are provided with

A hairdressing kit

Student responsibility:

  • Provide models for collection of evidence and assessment
  • Provide smart shoes suitable for standing long periods
  • Provide smart pants or skirt to wear with tunic (uniform)
  • Source a salon for work experience requirements
  • Student makeup and hair groomed to industry standard for class
  • Access to a WITT PC, or personal laptop is required
Annie Walsh Hairdressing Student Profile

I left school at a young age as I didn't really enjoy the school experience. I have known since a very early age that I wanted to become a hairdresser. My family and I did some research and we found out about the Youth Guarantee programme at WITT. In 2021 I enrolled on the Level 3 New Zealand Certificate in Hairdressing Salon Support and I made some really good friends there. In 2022, I then enrolled in the Level 4 New Zealand Certificate in Hairdressing (Emerging Stylist) progamme and now I am currently in my third year at LA Hair doing my apprenticeship and couldn't be any happier with the career I have chosen.

Annie Walsh

Hairdressing

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WITT and this programme are part of Te Pūkenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology 

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