Hand Picked Hotels has launched its new Spa Therapist apprenticeship programme across the group, working alongside esteemed national provider Armonia Training Academy.
Designed to attract and nurture future talent, the pioneering programme equips apprentices with the practical skills and insights they need to succeed when entering the spa industry. Candidates are guaranteed a role within Hand Picked Hotels on successful completion of the apprenticeship.
Lesley Bacon, Group Health Club and Spa Manager at Hand Picked Hotels, comments: “We are extremely proud to be launching this exciting new scheme and helping prosper new talent across the business. Offering a nurturing learning environment and inspiring creativity is at the heart of what we do, so introducing a scheme that professionally recognises this was a logical step for us. Being able to furnish our talented future therapists with the very best skills is invaluable”.
Hand Picked Hotels, which has 11 spa hotels within its 21-strong, privately owned collection, has taken on its first eight recruits. During their time, team members will undergo on-site training at Hand Picked Hotels’ spas as well as a 7 individual-week residential placement at Armonia Training Academy. Each member will be assigned a personal mentor within the spa and from Armonia to support them throughout their apprenticeship. They will also have guidance from Armonia’s Senior Educator, Diane Hey, who has 35 years’ experience in the beauty aesthetics and wellbeing sector.
Jessica Reeves, who has just joined the newly launched Spa Therapist Academy, comments: “I am thrilled to be a part of this incredible opportunity. I have been eager to start a career in spa and beauty for a while and this is a perfect entry point for me. To get practical on-site experience while learning from experts within the industry is just brilliant. I like knowing that I will be able to start my career with Hand Picked Hotels as a Spa Therapist once I graduate – I feel valued and it gives me the security and peace of mind to completely focus on my training. Everyone has been very welcoming and made my new start really enjoyable”.
Chloe Gorman, Spa Manager at Brandshatch Place Hotel & Spa comments: “Having Jess with us as an apprentice is a massive support to the team on a daily basis. Everyone is excited to see Jess develop and support her to become the best Therapist she can be”.
The programme has been curated for candidates who have no previous experience or qualifications in beauty but have a desire to pursue a career in the spa industry. Rachel Udall-James, Lead Training and Development Manager for Hand Picked Hotels, comments, “I am delighted to be launching this exciting new initiative with Lesley and welcome our new apprentices to join our existing 62 other apprentices across the collection that are studying culinary, hospitality and management apprenticeships, growing our own talent from within”.
