Laura Simpson, of Scott Base, received the honour at an awards ceremony in Auckland at the weekend.
The award recognises the apprentice who stands out as a "rising star" of New Zealand's hairdressing industry.
Having represented New Zealand at the WorldSkills competition in London in September, the award was recognition of her hard work and talent.
"After what feels like the hardest 12 months of my life, when I've done so much training and so much travelling, this is the greatest reward," she said.
Hito chairwoman Alison Murray said Ms Simpson had shown "huge commitment".
Others awards presented on the night were: Hito tutor of the year, Claire Allen, of Servilles Academy; Hito trainer of the year, Niq James, of Headspace, Christchurch; gold regional WorldSkills winner, Bethany Tweedale, of Cut and Colour, Dunedin; silver regional WorldSkills winner, Cait Woodcock, of Spectra, Palmerston North; a photographic award went to Arna Ward, of Invercargill; and the protege competition winner was Kaleb Pritchard, of Blaze, Auckland.
