HOW APPRENTICESHIPS CAN WORK FOR YOUR BUSINESS

Diane Hey, founder of the Armonia Training Academy, outlines the benefits of on-the-job training for businesses and their employees

Armonia Health & Beauty founder Diane Hey formed the government approved Armonia Training Academy in 2000 to provide specialist beauty, spa and wellness education, including apprenticeships. With over 34 years as a therapist, employer and educator, she is a passionate advocate of standards development and education. www.armonia.co.uk

Since launching the Armonia Training Academy in 2000, Diane Hey has championed the benefits of employment-ready training for the spa industry and has worked on several UK Government initiatives to raise and maintain standards for both trainees and employers. She is currently working on the UK Department of Education’s Hair and Beauty T-level panel, ahead of the qualification’s launch in 2023.

European Spa asks her about the importance of apprenticeships and how they can be used to combat the skills shortage facing the industry.

Why are you so passionate about apprenticeships?

I’ve always wanted to furnish our apprentices with the things I learned on the job after my training, and what better way to learn than in a job? Our mission is to enable employers to develop thoughtful, empowered, highly skilled therapists and sector professionals that our industry so badly needs – this can be, and is, successfully achieved with apprenticeships.

Apprenticeships are a pathway to employment, providing structure and relevant business skills. They exist in a real working environment where new knowledge and behaviours can be applied and honed in addition to developing the individual, which is equally important.

The apprenticeship route provides a holistic pathway for both apprentices and employers, meeting the needs of each – it’s a fantastic way to grow your business and the people in it!

How do apprentice schemes benefit spa operators?

The succession pipeline is crucial, and when done well, apprenticeships provide an increase in treatment hours and extend the average length of an employee’s stay. Research shows that over 80% stay in industry employment with 64% of apprentices being likely to continue with the same employer once their apprenticeship over. That’s a fantastic return on investment.

They also contribute to strong workplace commitment. The outcome is highly skilled therapists who are operator-ready and trained in all the business’s activities, in addition to having developed their own wellbeing, empathy and emotional intelligence. Additionally, there are financial benefits. In England, apprenticeships are funded up to a minimum of 95%, and can use the employer levy funds. Operators may receive an additional employer’s enhancement (eligibility criteria apply). Other countries offer different funding models.

...and what are the benefits to the employee?

The employee has the opportunity to enter an exciting, fast-paced industry; access advanced skills; and facilitate employment at incredible venues both in the UK and around the world.

They learn quickly and can apply that learning practically while earning a wage. Also, being able to showcase their ability and track their progress while learning and earning leads to personal development and greater workplace satisfaction.

“Our mission is to enable employers to develop thoughtful, empowered, highly skilled therapists.”

Can you tell us about spas offering successful schemes?

Several spas have taken up this pathway, Champneys is one such operator pioneering the process. Together we’re operating a very successful scheme and the feedback we have received has been fantastic.

Apprentices are supported both academically and pastorally. It’s a three-way partnership, between the employer, apprentice and provider, transparent to all involved, including any guest.

Are apprenticeships common and what is driving them?

There is a growing pocket of provision in the spa industry, as operators are looking for solutions to the skills shortage and employment crisis, compounded in the UK by the restriction of foreign movement.

Apprenticeships are growing as operators can see the benefits, coupled with updated standards that better meet the needs of both the operator and apprentice. I’m often frustrated by the belief that apprenticeships are difficult to deliver in the spa industry due to the private nature of treatments, as this just isn’t the case. From day one apprentices contribute to their workplaces – they become the ‘angels’ of the spas they work in and are missed when they’re not there as they are a majorly important part of the team.

How can people be attracted to apprenticeships?

Apprenticeships are not only for young people, there may be staff who wish to upskill, sidestep or even change their careers. It’s crucial to provide a structured programme with clear outcomes and KPIs related to career progression, rewards and recognition.

The overall package needs to be meticulously planned in partnership with the provider, and it’s important to showcase successes. Strong communication is essential, make tweaks if they’re needed and work to achieve the best for everyone.

For information about spa apprenticeships email: careers@armonia.co.uk