Off-job Training.

Off-job Training.

Welcome to VARDA Academy

We trust you enjoy your learning experience with us. Your HITO Sales and Training Team will advise the Off-Job Training attendance dates.

Barbering & Hairdressing Apprentices

Off-Job Training is for Hairdressing and Barbering Apprentices signed into a HITO training agreement. HITO arranges for you to come to the VARDA academy to complete the assessments of unit standards in your qualification.

Questions? Contact your HITO Sales and Liaison Manager by clicking here. Varda wishes you a very warm welcome to Hamilton and to our Academy.

Accommodation

There are a range of accommodation options in Hamilton. This information is included in your information and agreement book.

Payment of Fees

You will be invoiced directly by HITO for all costs excluding extra re-sits and product.

What to bring with you

  • Varda information and agreement book
  • ORIGINAL birth certificate or passport or a copy that has been verified by a Justice of the Peace or at your local courthouse
  • Training Record Book – signed and up to date.
  • You should bring your own personal equipment with you e.g. Scissors, razors, combs, brushes, blow dryer and straighteners, clippers and your own preferred products for assessment.
  • Manufacturer’s instructions for all product other than Keune
  • Bring lunch if you do not want to buy it.

We will supply Keune product, tools, equipment and consumables

Special Needs

If you have a special learning need you must discuss this with your HITO STA. They will make arrangements with us in order that we can meet this need for you. The use of a reader writer, one on one learning or any other suitable support can only be provided if we receive this request and all relevant information in a reasonable timeframe prior to your attendance with us.

The Varda team look forward to working with you.

TRAINING RECORD BOOK & COLLECTION OF EVIDENCE

This is your Bible. It is your responsibility to ensure that the evidence you are collecting is signed by your employer/trainer prior to attending off job training. You must bring your Training Record Book to Off-Job Training every day you attend. You must look after your Training Record Book. It is important that your collection of evidence is up to date. You may not sit an Assessment for a task that does not have the required amount of evidence signed off.

If you have achieved Unit Standards on a full time Training Programme you will need to ask that Training Provider to sign off in your Training Record Book prior to the first day of Off-Job Training.

This collection of evidence is a VITAL part of the Assessment process.

  1. Collection of evidence confirms tasks are being completed regularly in salon to the required standard. This means working on different clients within stated timeframes and following the Hairdressers Health Regulations, Manufacturer’s Instructions, and Health &s Safety Requirements.
  2. Collection of evidence confirms that the apprentice is ready for Assessment. Evidence with a valid signature should decrease the need for re-assessment.
  3. Once a task can be performed without assistance, the employer/trainer may sign the Evidence section of the Training Record Book. Every box must be signed prior to assessment.
  4. The Training Record Book must be bought each day that Off-Job Training is attended.
  5. Instructions to the candidate for each unit standard expected to be achieved in a year,at the back of the Induction book. Take time to read these instructions as they provide valuable information to collect valid evidence and achieve Assessment.

All evidence for all Assessments must be signed off in your Training Record Book prior to attending Block 2.

View here for full Off-Job Training information.

Off-job Training.

I’d like to say a Thank you to Deb and the whole crew at Varda. The experience I had here was amazing and I wouldn’t change it for anything. The amazing support from staff and teachers was cherished dearly by myself and I can speak on the behalf of the other students when saying this too.

Thank you to my wonderful tutor for all the one on one learning and teaching you sent my way. Without it I wouldn’t be the great barber I am today. From helping me with cutting techniques to finding me work experience you were always there for me and always put me and the other students first.”

Troy Bernhard
Barbering

Coming to Varda was the best choice I made when I left High School. I’ve learnt professionalism in the Barber trade and I’ve taken it and used it as a life skill. Varda has taught me all the basics of barber skills and the tutors were supportive.

Maia Haumu

Before coming to Varda I was a stay at home mum, so this year was definitely a change for me.

When covid came around it all changed again. We did it and without the support from every single person at Varda I don't know how we would of survived the year. From other students supporting each other and cheering us all on and helping with models, to the tutors and all staff who were there helping us all achieve our goals and supporting us through our tough days too.

Also a big thank you to our tutor for your support, loyalty and guidance.

Megan Brinkworth
Salon Support

To Varda, the staff and of course our amazing tutor, thank you for your endless support and overall patience throughout this course especially through the times where we couldn't see the end. 

This year has been amazing working along side all of you. The amount of support and banter with each other has been incredible. I couldn’t have asked for a better group to have shared this adventure with.

Helena McKenzie
Emerging Stylist

Just perfect! Tutors encouraged me and showed me a lot of new skills and found what I was good at. Varda also relaxed me before completing any assessments that were hard to achieve, helpful tutors and classmates. I started dreaming a new future here at Varda, and Varda also helped me to set my goal for next year too. Thanks, it was the best school I ever went. Miss you all.

Phoebe Choi
‘Salon Support’

“I loved studying at Varda, I loved all the tutors. They were friendly and they believe in me”.

Brittany Richardson
‘Makeup and Skin Care’

“My experience studying at Varda was absolutely amazing. It always felt like a safe learning environment and always had such a dedicated team of tutors and staff to help us with questions or problems. Walking into class always felt homely and welcoming. Our tutor was always willing to help any student and always had a boost of motivation and support to push you to succeed your goals.”

Chloe Curnow
‘Salon support’

I loved the atmosphere, everyone is always happy and all staff are so polite. I also believe that Varda has a great support system for both students and clients.

Jade Coe
‘Makeup’

Varda has helped me so much with my people skills and has made me so much more confident in myself and the things I can do. I’ve learnt a lot being here and have loved every moment of it.

Jamie Paki
‘Salon Support’