21 October 2022

Scottish hotel group first to offer qualification-based spa therapist training across various Scottish locations.

A renowned Scottish hotel group has announced a brand-new spa therapist apprenticeship programme in a bid to help boost recruitment following its ongoing spa investment across its portfolio.

The Crerar Academy, part of Crerar Hotels has partnered with Glasgow-based ‘The Academy’ to be the only hotel company in the country to provide private apprenticeships, training and recognised qualifications with a guaranteed job available at the end of the course.

Those looking to kickstart their career in the spa industry, or simply to learn a new trade as a second career, can sign up for the three-month apprenticeship programme with no qualifications required.

This scheme is the first private apprenticeship through CIBTAC, (Confederation of International Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology), an internally recognised qualification. It is also the first time The Academy has worked with a hotel organisation to produce the training. 

As part of an ongoing investment by Crerar Hotels, three spas within its hotel collection have been fully upgraded including Driftwood Spa at Isle of Mull Hotel & Spa, Coast Spa at Golf View Hotel & Spa and Shore Spa at Loch Fyne Hotel & Spa as part of a £2.6m refurbishment project. 

The new spa therapist apprenticeship programme is one of the ways Crerar Hotels is tackling recruitment within the industry.

Kate Paterson, Spa Manager at Coast Spa, Golf View Hotel & Spa, said:

“This is an exciting era for our spa teams across the business as most of our spa facilities have been completely refurbished, offering guests a luxury destination spa whilst providing a fresh and brand-new workplace for our spa therapists and managers. 

The apprenticeship programme – which expects to initially welcome eight trainees, offers the choice of Level Two Facial and Level Three Massage with a mix of remote theory learning, on-site learning at an allocated spa and CIBTAC exam once training is complete. 

Those who successfully complete the course and pass the final exam will join Crerar Hotels at one of its five spas as a permanent employee.

Chris Wayne-Wills, CEO of Crerar Hotels said:

“It is no secret that there is currently a recruitment shortage within hospitality, and this extends to the spa sector also. Whilst we’ve been busy investing in our hotels and spa facilities, it’s our wonderful team that makes the experience complete, which is why we’re looking forward to recruiting more team members to join the Crerar Hotels family.

“I’m proud that the Crerar Academy is able to provide our teams with ongoing learning and development and is leading the way by working with a brilliant training institution like ‘The Academy’ to do so.”

Whether you’re a recent school leaver, or just looking for a career change, this fast-track programme requires no previous experience in the spa industry as Crerar Hotels commits to providing full on-site learning and training.

The first round of course intakes begins from 31st October 2022 for the Level Three Massage course whilst the Level Two Facial course begins 9th January 2023. There will be regular courses held throughout the year to continue Crerar Hotels commitment to developing talent in this profession.

For more information on Crerar Hotels, please visit www.crerarhotels.com. 

*Other dates available