Our history
From humble beginnings to New Zealand’s largest private training establishment, our story is one of growth, evolution and unwavering commitment to connecting people with meaningful careers.
Building foundations in beauty
Premier launched with one clear vision: exceptional hairdressing education that opens doors to creative careers. It expanded into nail technology, recognising that skilled professionals transform passion into sustainable livelihoods and marking its commitment to practical, employment-focused learning.
Evolution and innovation
In 2016, Corporate Academy Group was renamed to Ignite Colleges and significantly expanded its course offerings. While embracing new delivery methods, it maintained its core focus: practical skills that employers actively seek. Its reputation for producing job-ready graduates continued growing throughout this decade.
Vocational education grows
Corporate Academy Group was established in 2002, developing comprehensive training across multiple vocational disciplines. Throughout this period, it built established frameworks and industry partnerships with its proven employment-focused approach.
Coming together as one
Skills Group acquired Premier in 2021, followed by Ignite Colleges in 2022. In 2025, we merged Skills Ignite and Skills Premier to create Skills Institute, combining decades of expertise, proven teaching methods, and industry connections to offer New Zealand's most comprehensive vocational training.
Building foundations in beauty
Premier launched with one clear vision: exceptional hairdressing education that opens doors to creative careers. It expanded into nail technology, recognising that skilled professionals transform passion into sustainable livelihoods and marking its commitment to practical, employment-focused learning.
Vocational education grows
Corporate Academy Group was established in 2002, developing comprehensive training across multiple vocational disciplines. Throughout this period, it built established frameworks and industry partnerships with its proven employment-focused approach.
Evolution and innovation
In 2016, Corporate Academy Group was renamed to Ignite Colleges and significantly expanded its course offerings. While embracing new delivery methods, it maintained its core focus: practical skills that employers actively seek. Its reputation for producing job-ready graduates continued growing throughout this decade.
Coming together as one
Skills Group acquired Premier in 2021, followed by Ignite Colleges in 2022. In 2025, we merged Skills Ignite and Skills Premier to create Skills Institute, combining decades of expertise, proven teaching methods, and industry connections to offer New Zealand's most comprehensive vocational training.