Jade Hodges is a scholarship winner of EIT’s Te Ara o Tākitimu, a Māori and Pasifika trade training initiative run in conjunction with Ngāti Kahungunu, which is designed to assist 16-40 year olds with aspirations in a wide range of trade training areas. She was recently awarded EIT Hawke’s Bay Top Aspiring Barber for 2021 in the New Zealand Certificate in Barber Skills (Level 3) at the Rotary Club of Greenmeadows and EIT Hawke’s Bay Trade Training Awards.
Jade Hodges (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Pāhauwera) spent two years studying hairdressing until she realised she wanted to be a barber.
It was a decision that has paid off for the 24-year-old who was recently awarded EIT Hawke’s Bay Top Aspiring Barber for 2021 in the New Zealand Certificate in Barber Skills (Level 3) at the Rotary Club of Greenmeadows and EIT Hawke’s Bay Trade Training Awards.
Jade is a scholarship winner of EIT’s Te Ara o Tākitimu, a Māori and Pasifika trade training initiative run in conjunction with Ngāti Kahungunu, which is designed to assist 16-40 year olds with aspirations in a wide range of trade training areas. Te Ara o Takitimu participants get free study, pastoral support, finance to overcome barriers like transport costs and also get support to link with their kaupapa. They are also assisted in the search for work experience, jobs or apprenticeships through EIT’s work brokers.
Jade, who grew up in Hawke’s Bay, went to Hastings Girls’ High and spent one year at Kaitaia College in the Far North where she has family.
However, she returned to study hairdressing at another provider before moving over the studying to be a barber at EIT.
“I did hairdressing, and I didn’t like the chemical side of hairdressing, so I decided to just focus on the cutting part and men’s hair is easier to deal with than women’s.”
Jade, who is working at Uptown Barbers in Hastings, says her boss encouraged her to further her education at EIT.
She has continued her study and is currently studying for the New Zealand Certificate in Barber Skills (Level 4) through EIT.
As a single mum to two-year-old Leo, Jade says life is quite busy, juggling work and study.
However, she has no hesitation in recommending EIT for any prospective barbers.
“EIT cares about your qualifications, and they put you in placement and they actually help you get a job.”
Jade is enjoying the step-up from Leve 3 to Level 4 at EIT, especially learning the more “intricate cuts”.
“I am learning all about flat tops and mullets, which are very popular amongst the younger generation. You can blame the All Blacks for that!”
For Jade, the secret to a good haircut is connecting with her clients as it allows them to relax so she can cut their hair.
As for her award, she says she is “pretty damn proud” because she “worked hard for it”.
As for the future. Jade would like to take over from her boss in the next ten to fifteen years.
EIT Hairdressing and Barbering Tutor Jennifer Robertson says: “I first met Jade when she came to study Level 3 barbering at EIT. It was clear from the start that she had a passion for the industry, and she continued to excel and ultimately achieve the Aspiring Barber award in the 2021 class.”
“ I was extremely happy when she decided to study further in the Level 4 Commercial Barbering programme. Something that sets Jade apart from the others is her committed, professional work ethic. It has been a pleasure watching Jade’s journey so far and I have no doubt that she will do very well in this industry.