Bridging the gap between secondary school and industry skills.

Swap the classroom for the salon.

Through our STAR and Gateway partnerships, we welcome Manawatū students to spend one day a week immersing themselves in our space of professional barbering, hair, and beauty.

For 20 years, schools and students have trusted BHB Academy to deliver more than just extra credits, we provide students an alternative creative atmosphere and tangible skills.

For young adults who are creative, practical, and people-focused, barbering hair and beauty offers the perfect balance.

How to join us:

• Students: Reach out to your school’s careers advisor or STAR/Gateway coordinator. We’ll invite you in for a trial day to experience BHB life firsthand.

• Schools: Contact our team to discuss partnership opportunities. Our dedicated advisor will walk you through the options.Real tools. Real techniques. A first look at your future career.

STAR

Star is a BHB Academy programme run in conjunction with local Manawatū secondary schools.

We offer a selection of barber, hairdressing, and makeup credits that go toward NCEA qualification (approx 20 credits).

Students attend one day a week 9:00 am – 3:00 pm, where they will experience firsthand working in our working barbershop, hairdressing salon, or makeup space.

This is the perfect programme for students wanting a taste of the barber, hairdressing, or makeup industries while gaining credits towards their NCEA qualifications

Many students go on to enrol in our full-time courses after discovering their love for the industry and the supportive BHB environment. No equipment or fees are required.

For more information on the STAR programmes, contact your Gateway Co-ordinator or Careers Advisor at your school.

Gateway

Gateway is an industry-based initiative run in conjunction with the wider Manawatū secondary school system. Students are strategically placed with a local barber, hairdresser or beauty and work to learn in a professional setting. 

This is the perfect fit for young adults who are creative, practical, and people-focused. 

Barbering, hairstyling, and beauty careers offer the perfect balance of artistry with structure, routine, and achievement. Trends evolve constantly, keeping the work engaging and encouraging lifelong learning.

BHB Academy offers packages of four hairdressing unit standards to schools and offers support to the student and the employer (where the student has been placed) along with assessment.

For more information on the Gateway programme, contact your Gateway Co-ordinator or Careers Advisor at your school.

Trial Day

We welcome anyone looking into starting their career in hairdressing, barbering, or makeup and skincare to come and be a student for the day.

This is a trial experience where you will see what life at BHB Academy is like and explore what these industries offer. 

If you are interested in undertaking a trial please contact us to arrange this.

Short Courses

BHB Academy periodically offers short courses on various beauty, hairdressing or barbering skills. Taster courses are available during school holidays and upon completion students gain x2 level 2 credits. 

To enroll click HERE