Ellie McBride Tai Poutini Polytechnic student story

When Ellie McBride made the difficult decision to leave school early, she was unsure exactly what her next steps would be. She did though have an unmistakeable passion for hairdressing and was determined to turn that into a career.

“I knew I wanted to keep learning but learning something I was passionate about. I love experimenting with hair and styles, and I knew that learning techniques to support that creative process could lead to a career,” says Ellie.

Ellie decided to enrol in the Hairdressing Level 3 course with Tai Poutini Polytechnic. From the very start, she showed a tremendous commitment to learning. Tutor Bridie Jackson says Ellie embraced every opportunity to develop her skills, from mastering hair cutting techniques to understanding colour application and client care.

“Ellie’s creativity shone through in practical assessments, and she always welcomed feedback to improve her technical skills and grow her craft. She was so positive and determined and was a quick learner,” says Ms Jackson.

Ms Jackson says that beyond technical skills, Ellie also developed professionalism and confidence. She learnt how to communicate effectively with clients, manage her time, and work as part of a team - skills that are vital in the hairdressing industry.

With the guidance and support of the Tai Poutini programme, Ellie successfully applied for an apprenticeship. Now signed up with Split Enz salon, Ellie is using this apprenticeship to take the next exciting step toward her dream career, continuing to build her skills, gain real-world experience, and establish herself in the hairdressing profession.

Jenna Ward, the owner of Split Enz says, “Taking on a new apprentice as a business owner can be pretty daunting. You are starting from scratch and never quite know what skills they’ll have or if they’ll end up loving the job. Having Ellie join us from Tai Poutini Polytechnic Hairdressing programme has been such a smooth transition from course to apprenticeship. The knowledge she brought with her has been a real asset to the salon.”

Ellie’s journey is a testament to what can be achieved with dedication, support, and a passion for learning. She proves that leaving school doesn’t limit your future - determination and the right guidance can open doors to exciting career opportunities.

“We are proud to have been part of Ellie’s journey and really look forward to seeing her flourish as a hairdressing professional,” says Ms Jackson.

For Ellie, she is thrilled to be making her dream come true. “I’m here because I had a goal and I’m grateful to everyone who helped me reach it. I feel like the opportunities now are almost endless.”

Published 13 March 2026