From a young age, Sophie Tanirau had always liked cutting hair, experimenting with different looks on herself and others. After completing a Gateway programme that had her working at a local salon, Sophie was introduced to everyday life in a hair salon, and her passion for the craft grew. The next year, Sophie enrolled in the Level 3 Hairdressing programme at Whitireia and WelTec, where she was also awarded the Māori and Pasifika Trades Training (MPTT) scholarship. Now, Sophie is loving work as a full-time apprentice hairdresser at Balliage Hair Salon in Wellington’s busy CBD.
The one-year Level 3 Hairdressing programme typically has students on campus 3-4 days a week, doing a mixture of theory and practical work. The aim of the programme is to prepare ākonga (students) for an apprenticeship. Ākonga learn essential skills such as shampooing, applying treatments or colours under supervision, styling and reception duties. They’re also introduced to cutting.
Gaining valuable skills in the training salon
Towards the end of the year, students run “client days” at the on-campus salon Te Whare Makawe, where students practice their new skills on real clients, in a real salon setting.
“The client days were one of the most helpful experiences. It really helped build my social skills, because I gained confidence carrying a conversation with someone I’d just met. Building that client relationship is really important for a hairdresser, and the skills to do that have gone beyond the salon, they’ve helped build my confidence in in my everyday life.”
Real-world experience at World of Wearable Arts
One of the most memorable experiences for Sophie was the opportunity to style hair for the models in the World of Wearable Arts show.
“It was so cool to our see our work on stage, and we got to see how the modelling worked. I was a bit nervous going into it, but everyone around us—the models, production crew and other WOW staff—they had all been through the backstage stuff before, so they were pretty prepared and surprisingly relaxed.”
Studying for free thanks to the MPTT Scholarship
Several days into the course at Whitireia and WelTec, a member of the Tamaiti Whāngai team visited the hairdressing classrooms encouraging Māori and Pacific ākonga to apply for the MPTT scholarship. Sophie was curious, so gave it a go. The application process required Sophie to answer questions about why she thought she deserved the scholarship, and how it would benefit her. After a meeting with the MPTT team, Sophie was awarded the scholarship.
As well as financial assistance, the MPTT scholarship enables recipients to access mentoring from the MPTT team. Over the course of the year, Sophie was able to pop in to talk to the team about anything on her mind—from financial strains like transport costs, emotional support, or just a catchup. They provided a welcoming environment and a listening ear to Sophie whenever she needed it.
At the end of the year, Sophie and her mum attended the MPTT graduation alongside other MPTT graduates of trades, hospitality and hair and beauty programmes. Sophie was gifted tools to help her continue to hone her skills and step into the industry with confidence, like hair products, straighteners and curling irons.
Find out more about the Māori and Pasifika Trades Training (MPTT) scholarship →
MPTT recipients receive a wide range of support. The Tamaiti Whāngai team will support you with mentoring, goal setting, pastoral and cultural support, and you'll have the opportunity to get your drivers license, and first aid certificates.
Learning on-the-job at Balliage Hair Salon
Now, Sophie is a full-time apprentice at Balliage Hair Salon. She spends her time cleaning, assisting the hairdressers, washing and styling, and is currently working up to cutting and colouring. As the sole apprentice at the salon, Sophie is grateful to be surrounded by so many talented people who are happy to share their knowledge and experience. “Collectively, almost all of the stylists are training me. I feel grateful to learn from so many skilled hairdressers.”
To anyone interested in studying Hairdressing with Whitireia and WelTec, Sophie says “Definitely look into it! It’s a full-time intensive course that gives you a solid idea of work in the industry. Having those basic skills really helped with getting a job in the industry”
Study Hairdressing in Wellington with Whitireia and WelTec
Master the skills and techniques to transform and make people feel good. Learn the essential skills you need to gain an apprenticeship with our Level 3 Pre-Trade programme, or if you’ve already got some experience under your belt, jump into the Level 4 Professional Stylist programme to gain the skills to become a qualified hairdresser.
