Hand Picked Hotels (HPH) has launched its new Spa Therapist Apprenticeship programme, working alongside national provider Armonia Training Academy and industry veteran Diane Hey.

Designed to attract and nurture future talent, the British hotel group’s new initiative is said to equip apprentices with the practical skills and insights to succeed when entering the spa industry.

HPH – which has 11 spa hotels within its portfolio of 21 privately-owned hotels – has recently taken on its first eight recruits within the scheme.

During their time, team members will undergo on-site training at HPH’s spas as well as a seven 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’ll also have guidance from Armonia’s senior educator, Diane Hey, who has 35 years of experience in the beauty aesthetics and wellbeing sector.

The programme has been curated for people who have no previous experience or qualifications in beauty but want to pursue a career in spa. Candidates are guaranteed a role within HPH on successful completion of the apprenticeship.

Lesley Bacon, group health club and spa manager at HPH, said: “We’re extremely proud to be launching this exciting new scheme and helping inspire 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.”

Jessica Reeves, who has just joined the newly launched academy, comments: “I’ve 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 also like knowing that I’ll be able to start my career with HPH 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.”

Rachel Udall-James, lead training and development manager for HPH, comments: “I’m 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”.