L: Poppie, R: Gaia
A NEW partnership between leading beauty education provider The Academy Glasgow and One Spa at Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa Edinburgh is creating a new pathway into the wellness industry, helping tackle therapist shortages while training the next generation of spa professionals.
The programme combines recognised qualifications with hands-on experience within the live spa environment at One Spa, with trainees working towards a globally recognised CIBTAC qualification in massage and facial therapy while employed by Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa Edinburgh.
Fiona Young, Spa Director at One Spa, said: “This is about building careers, not filling vacancies. By combining high-quality education with genuine hands-on experience in a real spa environment, we’re creating a more modern pathway into the profession”
Jenny Storey, Director of The Academy said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome One Spa at Sheraton Grand Hotel as one of our new spa partners and incredibly grateful that such a prestigious spa has placed their trust in our Spa Therapist Traineeship programme.
Over the years, we have built multiple successful spa partnerships and have remained committed to delivering highly skilled, professional therapists who are truly prepared for the industry.
At the heart of everything we do is a genuine passion for raising standards within the spa and wellness sector. We care deeply about setting our learners up for long-term success, not only by developing their technical ability, but by inspiring confidence, professionalism, and a true passion for the industry.
By training our learners through globally recognised CIBTAC qualifications, we are able to give aspiring therapists the strongest possible foundation at the very beginning of their careers. We are excited to work alongside One Spa to help shape the next generation of exceptional spa professionals.”
Among the first to join the programme are Gaia and Poppy, two aspiring therapists entering the profession from different backgrounds.
Gaia said: “Wellness has always been something I’ve been passionate about, so having the chance to turn that into a career in such a supportive environment is incredibly exciting. It feels like the perfect opportunity to build something long term.”
Poppy added: “I always knew I enjoyed this kind of work, but I wanted the opportunity to explore it properly and develop real expertise. This gives me the chance to learn in a hands-on environment while building towards a genuine career.”
