Jenkinson practises her skills on second-year hairdressing student Denise Robertson.

EIT’s hairdressing staff and students are celebrating a stellar run of successes in recent competitions.

Among the star achievers, learning facilitator Yvonne Jenkinson was chosen from a large field of entrants nationwide to go forward as one of nine national finalists in the Wella Trend Vision competition being staged in Auckland on September 16-17.

Another learning facilitator, Kathy Kane was runner-up in the Oceanic category of the region’s New Zealand Association of Registered Hairdressers competition recently held in Napier.

And not to be eclipsed by their teachers, student s also performed outstanding well in the same event, claiming seven of eight placing in their two classes.

Linda Jane Kemp won the pre-apprentice Year 1 Creative Hair Up, while EIT classmates Abigail Lawler and Jakayla McKee were second and third placed. In the pre-apprentice Year 2 Creative Styling class, Paulina Hati was first-placed, followed by fellow students Denise Robertson (2), Kirsten Single (3) and Tyla Hocquard-Tindale (4).

Programme coordinator Jewelle Lloyd is delighted staff and students performed so well.

“It reflects the talent, hard work and commitment of all these achievers and underscores the professional attitude we foster in training apprentices for the industry. It’s thrilling to see the endeavours of all these people rewarded in this way.”

Explaining the structure of the Wella Trend Vision competition, finalist Yvonne Jenkinson says every year the organisers call for photographic submissions based on four key new season’s looks. Entrants submit portfolios, with images featuring their model and illustrating hair styling and colour, make-up and fashion wear as an overall integrated package.

From Taradale, Yvonne chose to enter the Blaze category – which anticipates a Latino-influenced trend towards strong short haircuts, dark rich hair colouring and fashion garments that take fuchsia pink and lace as inspirational elements.

Having made the finals, she will travel to Auckland for two days of intense competition which will include a fashion show staged at the Auckland Town Hall.

“I have to talk about the look I’m presenting while my model is parading on the catwalk. I’m a little nervous about that, but can only do my best by preparing for public speaking and getting a mood board together.”

While the thought of working on her model’s hair alongside some of the best-known names in New Zealand hairdressing may be a little unnerving, Yvonne says she’s very much looking forward to the experience and feels buoyed by the enthusiasm shown by colleagues and students.

“The support from EIT has been amazing,” she says.