Two spa therapists have secured permanent full-time jobs at a Windermere hotel resort, thanks to a work experience initiative and the completion of a set of beauty therapy qualifications.

Maya McGregor from Grasmere and Rhianna Bland from Kendal have both joined the team at Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa, having each attained their Level 2 Technical Qualifications and Level 3 Diplomas in Beauty Therapy.

English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues offered both students the chance to undertake 30 hours of work experience during their two-year courses with Kendal College, which included classroom sessions coupled with in-house training.

From there they applied for full time positions at Low Wood Bay and went through a multi-stage interview process and trade test before securing full time employment with the hotel group.

An integral part of the course work experience was for Maya and Rhianna to observe key roles across the spa and see how its system operates, as well as benefitting from individual workshop style training on the delivery of spa treatments and techniques.

This included the chance to shadow experienced spa therapists and reception staff in their day-to-day roles to see the whole client journey, including initial bookings and tours of the spa facilities, dealing with client enquires and upholding high standards of cleanliness.

Maya and Rhianna were also able to experience treatments to see how they are personalised for each individual client and understand the standards required. They also gained knowledge on the full range of oils and other products used within the spa and their key ingredients and benefits.

Maya explains: “The work experience showed us the top-level approaches, product knowledge and service required in our interactions with real clients and helped us to apply the skills we’ve learned and acquired at college in the working environment."

“Experiencing the professional delivery of treatments at the spa at Low Wood Bay really helped to show us what the industry is like and to develop our skills and confidence as we moved from the college environment to the reality of the workplace.”

Maya and Rhianna have also both passed their ESPA essential face and body training, with tuition delivered by Kiera Carrick, an ESPA qualified trainer, before the spa therapists were independently assessed.

Kiera, who is spa training and development manager at Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa, says:

“To see Maya and Rhianna successfully complete their qualifications and get jobs with us here shows that our ability to offer work experience can open up new career opportunities."

“We now have a team of nine spa therapists in all, important as demand for our services continues to grow. We’ve recently relaunched our spa treatment menu to provide wider variety and more innovation within our treatments. That means a lot of training to deliver to all the therapists so that every client receives an unforgettably relaxing, indulgent treatment."

“We have a close-knit team from different nationalities and backgrounds and it's exciting to see them develop and work cohesively together to deliver the highest standard of treatments. As the team continues to grow, I look forward to helping them achieve their aspirations within the spa industry.”