Hairstyling, including cleansing, treatments and massage, different blow-drying techniques, hair-ups and how to use hot tools effectively. In the beauty therapy realm, you will learn all about the skin and skin nutrition, beauty routine, eyebrow tidying and basic day make-up then onto some make-up artistry skills for each of the features and an introduction to the world of special effects. You’ll also learn some of the crucial communication skills required to carry out services and how to present yourself for the industry.
What you will learn
A student successfully completing this strand will be able to:
- Understand workplace requirements for employment in a salon and sustainability concepts
- Understand fashion trends and history in the beauty and hairdressing industries
- Learn retail skills such as customer service, product knowledge and displays in a salon environment
- Develop basic practical beauty and hairdressing skills and personal presentation
- Develop literacy and numeracy skills
More detail about this qualification
- Start dates:
- Tuesday 9 February, 2027
- Thursday 11 February, 2027
- Weekly commitment:
- Whitireia Porirua Campus: 9am-2:30pm (inc. 30min lunch), Monday/Tuesday
- Whitireia Porirua Campus: 9am-2:30pm (inc. 30min lunch), Thursday/Friday
- Te Awakairangi (Petone) Campus: 9am-2:30pm (inc. 30min lunch), Thursday/Friday
- Equipment needed: Students must wear closed-in shoes.
- Travel: This is provided free, subject to students meeting MoE requirements
- Application: Students must be enrolled in a secondary school in the Wellington region and be enrolled in a WTA course by their secondary school.
- Interview: Students may be requested to attend an interview with a family member or school representative.
- Qualification: NCEA Level 2 with credit towards Vocational Pathway award.
- Credits: On successful completion of this course, students will have gained 41 Level 2 credits.
- Assessment: Assessment is competency-based against unit standard outcomes and related evidence requirements. Assessments will follow the processes required by NZQA and relevant industry requirements.
Assessment criteria
- New Zealand Certificate in Hairdressing (Salon Support) (Level 3)
- New Zealand Certificate in Makeup and Skin Care (Introduction) (Level 3)
- New Zealand Certificate in Commercial Barbering (Level 4)
- New Zealand Certificate in Beauty Therapy (Level 4)
- New Zealand Certificate in Makeup Artistry (Level 4)
Last updated: 7/9/2026
