Diploma in Hairdressing at Winters School of Hairdressing

The course

The diploma is nationally recognised through the Qualifications Framework and costs $7000. The next three intakes are September 1, October 13 and November 10.

Held at its downtown Auckland campus, the 32-week fulltime practical programme gives students the chance to develop the technical hairdressing and personal skills they need to become salon team members, says Roger Ternent, director of administration.

"The industry is badly in need of qualified staff and there are plenty of positions available. Even within our own salons, we have been recruiting experienced hairdressers from Britain."

After being taught basic theory and the necessary practical foundation skills, students progress to the training salon for the last eight weeks of the course.

"As a dress rehearsal for a truly busy working salon, this practical exposure to clients is invaluable," says Ternent. "While diploma graduates are still juniors within a salon environment, they are well on their way to becoming fully qualified hairdressers.

"Our diploma effectively lets students do the first two years of an apprenticeship in just eight months."

Students spend much of their in-school salon time gathering evidence for the practical assessments in various units toward the New Zealand Certificate in Hairdressing Practice.

They also receive internationally recognised certificates in fields such as hair design, long hair, sculpturing and texture redesign.

Applicants need three years of secondary school, but those who have done well in the New Zealand Certificate of Educational Achievement, the successor to School Certificate and Sixth Form Certificate, are highly regarded.

What past students think

Sheena Williams

Apprentice hairdresser

18, Artisan Hair Studio

Herne Bay, graduated 2002

"The course structure, combining six months of theory and two months in a salon environment, provided a comprehensive introduction to hairdressing.

"It's only when you start working in the salon that you realise how the theoretical stuff can be applied practically.

"The school's salon really helps to develop people skills and gave me a realistic insight into the day-to-day workings of a busy salon.

"I found the friendliness and enthusiasm of the tutors, who are also practising hairdressers, encouraging.

"Learning different cutting styles was what attracted me the most. I got a real buzz out of seeing the different end results that can be created using different shapes and techniques."

What employers think

Michael Gullery

Owner, Artisan Hair Studio

Herne Bay, Auckland

"The Winters diploma course gave Sheena a good, basic grounding in hairdressing. As a pre-trade course, it gave her a leg-up into the business.

"Now in her second year of apprenticeship, Sheena has quickly adapted to salon work without requiring a lot of supervision.

"Having done this course, she has progressed faster than had she started her apprenticeship from scratch.

"Introducing her to a whole range of skills, including all aspects of hairdressing, has whetted her appetite to become a qualified hairdresser."

Winters School of Hairdressing

Phone (09) 377-4855