UK-based independent hotel group Macdonald Hotels & Resorts is continuing to invest in its wellness offering with the launch of a career pathway for its spa staff.

As part of a strategy to identify, train and retain key spa workers, the group has introduced the Spa Career Development Plan, designed to provide staff with access to structured support and a programme of continued professional development.

Spa staff will be able to benefit from a tailor-made careers programme which has been constructed in cooperation with UK-based product house Elemis and its Academy of Excellence.

Each participant’s programme will be designed based on their specific needs and level of experience across six positions, ranging from apprentice spa therapist to regional spa manager.

From the initial training with the product houses and internal hospitality training through to training on subjects such as rota scheduling, people management, forecasting and recruitment, staff will be able to acquire the skills necessary to lead a successful spa team.

For those with no experience – starting as an apprentice spa therapist – a training programme of 18 months will help them progress to NVQ Level 3 in beauty therapy. There is also the opportunity for all staff to work across the group’s four and five star hotels with locations throughout the UK.

A ‘Buddy Programme’ will also be introduced, whereby more experienced members of the spa staff are assigned to help nurture junior members of staff to management positions.

Keith Pickard, group director of spa at Macdonald Hotels said: “A career within the spa industry can be challenging and inspiring but not everyone is aware of the opportunities and the support we can give to help our therapists fulfil their career aspirations.

“Our Spa Career Development Plan clearly outlines the support available and formalises the training schemes provided by our product houses.

“We hope that this will encourage our spa staff, whatever stage they are at, to gain new skills and progress with confidence to the level they have set their sights on.”