Skills Institute’s learner-first approach to training and industry growth
After more than 35 years working in the hairdressing industry, Petra Rijnbeek has seen every side of the business from salon owner and educator through to creative director, editorial contributor and mentor.
Today, as Hairdressing Partnerships Manager at Skills Institute, her focus is on helping the next generation of hairdressers build successful careers.
“The opportunity to reconnect with learners is what excites me most,” says Rijnbeek. “It’s the stage where confidence is built and careers are shaped.”
It’s a philosophy that sits at the heart of Skills Institute, part of Skills Group – New Zealand’s largest Private Training Establishment (PTE) and a Tier 1-rated provider with NZQA.
The organisation delivers training across a range of vocational sectors, with hairdressing also part of its offering after Skills Group’s acquired Premier Hairdressing Academy a few years ago. Today, Skills Institute combines industry-connected training, innovative learning resources and strong learner support to help apprentices and employers succeed.
For Rijnbeek, the future of hairdressing depends on more than technical excellence. While creativity and skill remain essential, she believes qualifications, mentoring and industry support are becoming more important than ever as the profession evolves.
“Clients are now more informed, trends move faster and expectations continue to rise,” she says.
“As a result, hairdressers need more than practical skills. They need confidence, professionalism and the ability to adapt to an industry that is constantly evolving.”
Having spent decades working at the highest levels of the profession, Rijnbeek understands the value of investing in people. From mentoring emerging stylists to leading creative teams and owning salons, she has witnessed first-hand the impact quality training can have on a person’s career.
“What separates a good hairdresser from a great one isn’t just technical ability,” she says.
“It’s the willingness to keep learning, to listen, and to understand the ‘why’ behind what you’re doing.”
That belief aligns closely with Skills Institute’s approach to workplace-based training. Working directly with salons and apprentices throughout New Zealand, the organisation focuses on creating a complete learning experience that extends well beyond assessments and qualifications.
“We don’t see training as simply delivering a programme,” says Rijnbeek.
“We’re involved in every stage of the learner journey. We work alongside salon owners, mentors and learners to ensure people feel supported and set up for success.”
A key point of difference is the organisation’s commitment to pastoral care and mentoring.
“Every learner’s circumstances are different,” she says. “What matters is that they know they have support. We want our learners to feel seen, heard and empowered throughout their journey.”
That learner-first approach recognises that success isn’t always measured by speed.
“The goal isn’t to be first across the finish line,” says Rijnbeek.
“The goal is to become qualified, confident and capable. When learners are supported to progress at their own pace, they’re far more likely to succeed long term.”
Rijnbeek believes qualifications are one of the best investments salon owners and stylists can make in their future.
“A qualification gives people a sense of achievement and pride,” she says.
“It demonstrates professionalism, helps people operate confidently within industry requirements and creates opportunities both here and overseas.”
Rijnbeek is also a strong advocate for lifelong learning and believes access to world-class educational resources is helping raise standards across the profession. Through Skills Institute, learners can access Pivot Point, an internationally recognised hairdressing education platform that provides interactive lessons, tutorials and learning resources designed to support workplace training and build confidence in both technical and theoretical skills.
“Today’s learners expect flexibility and access to quality resources,” she says.
“Platforms like Pivot Point complement the support we provide through our trainers and industry partnerships, giving learners the confidence to keep developing their skills wherever they are.”
Affordability remains a key focus for Skills Institute. Competitive training packages and accessible starter kits are designed to help reduce barriers to entry, ensuring learners can access the tools and support they need as they begin building their careers.
“Starting a career in hairdressing should be an exciting opportunity,” says Rijnbeek.
“We want learners to have access to quality education, practical support and affordable pathways into the industry.”
For Rijnbeek, a thriving industry depends on strong partnerships between training providers, salon owners and learners.
“We’re passionate about growing the hairdressing industry,” she says.
“When training providers, salons and learners work together, everyone benefits. Our focus is on helping people develop successful careers and supporting businesses to build skilled, confident teams.”
As Skills Institute continues to build on its legacy and invest in the future, Rijnbeek remains optimistic about what lies ahead.
“New Zealand has incredible hairdressing talent,” she says.
“Our role is to help nurture that talent, support businesses and ensure learners leave with the confidence, skills and qualifications they need to thrive. That’s how we continue to grow a strong and sustainable industry for the future.”
