Scottish hotel group Crerar Hotels has unveiled a new spa therapist apprenticeship programme in a bid to help boost recruitment following its ongoing spa investment across its portfolio.

The Crerar Academy, part of Crerar Hotels, has partnered with Glasgow-based ‘The Academy’ to be the only hotel company in the country to provide private apprenticeships, training and recognised qualifications with a guaranteed job available at the end of the course.

This scheme is the first private apprenticeship through CIBTAC (Confederation of International Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology).

The three-month programme is for those looking to kickstart their career in the spa industry, or to learn a new trade as a second career.

No prior qualifications or experience in the spa industry are required to apply.

Kate Paterson, spa manager at Crerar's Coast Spa, Golf View Hotel & Spa, said: “This is an exciting era for our spa teams across the business as most of our spa facilities have been completely refurbished, offering guests a luxury destination spa whilst providing a fresh and brand-new workplace for our spa therapists and managers”.

The apprenticeship programme – which is expected to initially welcome eight trainees, offers the choice of Level Two Facial and Level Three Massage with a mix of remote theory learning, onsite learning at an allocated spa and CIBTAC exam once training is complete.

Those who successfully complete the course and pass the final exam will join one of Crerar's five spas as a permanent employee.

Chris Wayne-Wills, CEO of Crerar, said: “It’s no secret there’s a recruitment shortage within hospitality, including the spa sector.

“While we’ve been busy investing in our hotels and spa facilities, it’s our wonderful team that makes the experience complete, which is why we’re looking forward to recruiting more team members to join the family.

“I’m proud that the Crerar Academy is able to provide our teams with ongoing learning and development and is leading the way by working with a brilliant training institution like ‘The Academy’ to do so.”