TOP Scottish spa hotel and resort Crieff Hydro is launching its very own ‘Spa Academy’, offering an SQA-accredited programme to ‘transform beauty school beginners into qualified massage therapists’.
It is hoped that the Academy will deliver fresh opportunities for people in the Crieff area, with the course tailored specifically for students with no prior experience in the spa or beauty industry.
Crucially, as soon as they are enrolled on the course, candidates secure permanent employment at the venue.
Applications for the year-long programme of learning opened on Monday 16 October, with up to eight spots in the initial cohort up for grabs when the course launches in January 2024.
Spa manager at Crieff Hydro, Laura Wilson, said: “We’re all about creating exciting opportunities and nurturing new talent, and that’s why I’m absolutely delighted to be launching Crieff Hydro’s very own Spa Academy.
“It’s no secret that Scotland’s beauty industry is facing a recruitment crisis. Much of that comes from the barriers people face while trying to take up a role within the sector for the first time, so we’ve made it our mission to address that.
“We’re encouraging absolutely anyone with an interest in starting a new career and has a passion for health and wellbeing to apply for a spot at our Spa Academy – this course that really is open to all.
“Our top facilities and professional working environment will give you the skills and qualifications you need to excel in your career, especially if you’re brand-new to the industry.”
New recruits taking part in the programme will be provided with training in different kinds of massage, including taking part in mock treatment days, all under the guidance of Crieff Hydro’s team of expert trainers.
After graduating with an SCQF level five Beauty Massage diploma, students will continue their careers at Crieff Hydro on a work-learning split, with the opportunity to become qualified in further spa skills on the job, including hot stone massage, facials and body treatments.
Laura continued: “This is an exciting time for the Crieff Hydro spa. We have been working behind the scenes on implementing lots of wonderful new treatments in partnership with some of the biggest names in the beauty industry, which is going to take our spa offering to the next level.
“To do that, we need a robust, talented and enthusiastic team of therapists and I’m confident we will find them with the help of our brand-new training course.”
Chairman and CEO of Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels, Stephen Leckie, said: “Crieff Hydro is continuing to pave the way with industry-leading recruitment initiatives, and our brand-new Spa Academy is no exception to that.
“Being a spa therapist at Crieff Hydro offers excellent career progression and a range of outstanding incentives, including competitive pay and commission on product sales, discounts on leisure membership, food and hotel stays and live in accommodation where required.”
Mr Leckie added: “I’m excited to watch our team grow and look forward to welcoming some brand-new team members to the Crieff Hydro Family.”
To submit an application for the Crieff Hydro Spa Academy, visit: www.careers.crieffhydrofamily.com
