Scottish students enroll in the new Spa Academy at the Falkirk Hotel
SCOTS students have the opportunity to receive hands-on training at a recently launched Spa Academy at a hotel in Falkirk.
The Macdonald Inchyra Hotel & Spa has launched its own Spa Academy to help local students become qualified beauticians.
Organized in partnership with Falkirk Council’s Employment Training Unit and Positive Qualities, the Spa Academy will initially see 10 students undergo a 19-week training program at the four-star hotel.
The hotel says the program aims to open up new opportunities for young people trying to advance in their careers, with candidates nominated by schools, through Skills Development Scotland and through the town hall.
Those who were shortlisted faced an X Factor-style assessment session that included solo activities to test attitude, group activities to reveal commitment, cooperation and problem-solving skills and a final interview.
The Spa Academy will include a mix of online courses and hands-on training, with students also able to provide beauty treatments to volunteer guests at the Macdonald Inchyra Hotel.
Upon completion, they will be fully qualified to perform a range of treatments from facials to pedicures and massages, and ultimately earn their SQA and Beauty Guild certification.
The launch of the Spa Academy follows the Hospitality Academy, which has been in existence since 2002 and has helped over 144 young people find jobs in the industry.
Brett Ingle, General Manager of the Macdonald Inchyra Hotel, said: “It can be difficult for young people to know what they want to do with their future, and once they do, then they are faced with the challenge to move up the career ladder.
“At the Macdonald Inchyra Hotel, we have a wealth of experience in hospitality and spa services, and we wanted to create opportunities for young people in our local community.
“Our established spa therapists have so much knowledge and will work alongside our Spa Academy students as mentors to help them fully immerse themselves in the role.
“The beauty industry can be incredibly rewarding and exciting, and through our academy, we can give the next generation the skills and experience they need to start thriving in their careers.”
The Spa Academy is launched with a partnership with Strathcarron Hospice, whereby any proceeds from treatments booked through the Academy will be donated directly to the local care provider.
Located in Denny, Strathcarron Hospice helps over 1,400 people living with terminal illness each year, with over 900 volunteers working to improve the lives of patients and their loved ones.
