Helen has been working in the hairdressing industry for 30 years, and teaching hairdressing for 20. She became a tutor because she loves seeing ākonga learn and blossom. Based in Petone and Porirua, Helen teaches our Level 3 Certificate in Hairdressing, a year-long programme that teaches the fundamentals of hairdressing and styling.
What’s your favourite thing about teaching?
The life-long relationships that are created and watching ākonga learn and exceed their expectations.
What’s your experience in hairdressing?
I have been hairdressing for nearly 30 years, and teaching at Whitireia and WelTec for 20. I have my own small business with a home salon and provide training support to salon owners and staff.
What sort of skills are taught in the Level 3 Certificate?
Level 3 starts with soft skills such as customer service, time management, and personal health and presentation. We then move into styling long and short hair, followed by colouring with a variety of techniques, cutting, and reformation.
What opportunities are there for students to gain experience during the programme?
Ākonga run our on-campus hair salon, Te Whare Makawe, catering to all our clients' service requirements. They also have the opportunity to get involved with the community for events and productions including World of Wearable Arts (WOW).
Getting experience in customer-facing work gives ākonga the chance to test their skills in a real-world environment, which in turn helps boost their confidence.
Level up your look at our on-campus salons!
Run by students, fully supervised by professionals, you can get pampered for a fraction of the cost at our on-campus hair, barbering, and beauty salons. Hairdressing services include colour and styling, barbering includes cuts and shaves, and beauty therapy services include facial and eye treatments, manicures, pedicures, and waxing.
What pathways are there for students?
After Level 3, students can exit and continue to work in a salon as stylist support or take the next step with an apprenticeship or further study. Our Level 4 Certificate in Hairdressing (Professional Styling) is a year-long programme that provides students with the skills to be professional stylists.
For hairdressers, the career options are endless! Work in a hair salon part-time or full, start your own business, work with a product company as a representative in sales or training, work abroad or on cruise ships, or get involved in productions with hairstyling and even wig making. With a shortage of people in the industry, there are plenty of jobs for hairdressers in New Zealand.
What do you like to do in your spare time? Any hobbies?
I love anything creative, decorating my home, gardening, and I have an addiction for Pinterest hair inspiration and upcycling from marketplace! However, my favourite weekend activity is to watch Netflix with my fur babies, a lazy old greyhound called Mac, and Lucci, a cheeky one-year-old ragdoll cat.
Study Hairdressing at Whitireia and WelTec
Master the skills and techniques to transform and make people feel good. Turn your passion into a career with our range of qualifications. Learn from the best in the business in a supportive environment.
