Southern Apprentice Wins Prestigious Hairdressing Award
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- Sophie Steel wins Southern Apprentice of the Year at 2024 HITO ceremony in Christchurch.
- She receives a $2,500 prize and represents Southland's hairdressing industry on a national platform.
- Steel also attended the Davines Pro Worldwide Hair Tour in Berlin this October.
Invercargill hairdresser Sophie Steel was honoured as the Southern Apprentice of the Year 2024 at the HITO (Hairdressing Industry Training Organisation) graduation ceremony in Christchurch on November 3. Steel, 20, is a stylist at Venom, an Invercargill salon, and expressed pride in bringing the award back to Southland. “It was a remarkably special moment in my career that I will never forget ... it is an incredible honour to me,” she said.
Having completed her Level 3 New Zealand Certificate in Hairdressing (Salon Support) at the Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) in 2022, Steel recently finished her third and final apprenticeship year. She received a $2,500 prize to support her professional development, further cementing her reputation in the industry.
The competition was open to apprentices across Tasman, West Coast, Canterbury, Otago, and Southland in hairdressing, barbering, and beauty therapy. Steel described the win as “phenomenal,” adding, “It’s extremely rewarding, knowing that my commitment to learning has been acknowledged at the highest level from the organisation I’m representing.”
Steel expressed gratitude for her mentors at Venom, saying, “Adrian and the incredible master stylists at Venom ... always create a light, positive and passionate energy in the salon every day.” Salon owner Adrian Barclay praised her, stating, “Sophie embodies the values and standard’s of what I have come to believe it takes to become a successful hairdresser. We are proud of her incredible progress so far.”
In October, Steel and fellow Venom stylist Ella Humphrey attended the Davines Pro Worldwide Hair Tour in Berlin, Germany. The prestigious event brought together leading international hairdressing artists, showcasing cutting-edge techniques and sustainable practices. “It was an absolutely incredible experience,” Steel said. “Witnessing innovation from some of the best international artists on the live stage was out of this world.”
Reflecting on her journey, Steel expressed appreciation for her tutors at SIT, acknowledging the encouragement and expertise of Donna, Trish, and Megan. “They are truly passionate about the foundations of hairdressing, pushing their students to constantly improve,” she said.
Steel also received the 2024 Top Student prize for her SIT class, further highlighting her talent and dedication. “Personally, it is a truly special experience to reflect on my apprenticeship, and I am honoured to have this opportunity to make the Southland hairdressing industry proud.”