Kylie Harris [centre] receiving her Tenant Apprentice Scholarship from MTLT Education Committee chairwoman Christine Brewster, accompanied by Michelle Pike, owner of Michelle’s Hair Studio. PHOTO/SUPPLIED
GIANINA SCHWANECKE
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A Masterton hairdresser is one step closer to realising her dream of opening her own hair and make-up business after being awarded a Masterton Trust Lands Trust apprentice scholarship.
Kylie Harris is in her second year of a three-year apprenticeship to be a professional hair stylist, working at Michelle’s Studio in Masterton.
She was awarded a Tenant Apprentice Scholarship, one of six available annually to those working for tenants of the trust to assist them with industry training fees.
The scholarships, worth up to $1000 each, are part of the trust’s education grants programme.
Harris said the scholarship would allow her to focus more on her training and exams rather than worrying about the costs associated with her studies.
“The scholarship will take a big load off the stress of paying for training fees and the cost of travelling to my course in Lower Hutt,” Harris said.
“It’s really hard to get started on your own, with paying for training and purchasing your tools.”
Harris said it was amazing to have the scholarships available for apprentices and she was thankful to the trust for the support and opportunities it provided.
“It makes a big difference to know the trust and the Masterton community are there to give you the help you need.”
After finishing her apprenticeship and gaining more experience, she plans to start her own hair and make-up business in Wairarapa.
Making people feel good about themselves was one of the best parts of the job, she said.
“There isn’t much that’s better than seeing someone leave the salon with a big smile on their face and feeling beautiful and more confident. You can really change their day for the better.”
- Applications for the next round of Tenant Apprentice Scholarships close in July. More information can be found online at, mtlt.org.nz/grants/scholarships
