A NEW partnership between leading beauty education provider The Academy Glasgow and One Spa at Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa Edinburgh is set to create a fresh pathway into the wellness industry, helping tackle therapist shortages while developing the next generation of spa professionals.
The initiative will see aspiring therapists undertake a structured scholarship-style training programme delivered by The Academy Glasgow, combining recognised qualifications with practical, hands-on experience within the live spa environment at One Spa.
Designed to support people entering the profession from a range of backgrounds, the programme blends classroom learning, practical assessments and workplace immersion to provide trainees with the skills, confidence and commercial understanding needed to build lasting careers in spa and wellness.
Fiona Young, Spa Director at One Spa, said: “This is about building careers, not filling vacancies. By combining high-quality education with genuine hands-on experience in a real spa environment, we’re creating a more modern pathway into the profession.
“Traditional three-year routes are not always realistic for everyone, but at the same time, one-day courses are not the answer either. Delivering treatments professionally requires far more than simply learning techniques, therapists need a proper understanding of anatomy and physiology, health and safety, client care and the guest experience.
“Partnering with The Academy Glasgow allows us to create a genuine pathway into the profession, giving people the highest standard of training alongside real-world experience from day one.”
Through the programme, trainees will work towards a globally recognised CIBTAC qualification in massage and facial therapy, delivered by The Academy Glasgow, while employed by Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa Edinburgh throughout the process.
Founded as one of Scotland’s leading specialist training providers in beauty and wellness education, The Academy Glasgow is known for delivering industry-recognised qualifications and preparing students for successful careers across the spa and aesthetics sectors.
The Academy’s practical-led teaching model ensures trainees graduate with both the technical expertise and professional standards expected by premium wellness employer like the Sheraton.
Jenny Storey, Director of The Academy said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome One Spa at Sheraton Grand Hotel as one of our new spa partners and incredibly grateful that such a prestigious spa has placed their trust in our Spa Therapist Traineeship programme.
Over the years, we have built multiple successful spa partnerships and have remained committed to delivering highly skilled, professional therapists who are truly prepared for the industry.
At the heart of everything we do is a genuine passion for raising standards within the spa and wellness sector. We care deeply about setting our learners up for long-term success, not only by developing their technical ability, but by inspiring confidence, professionalism, and a true passion for the industry.
By training our learners through globally recognised CIBTAC qualifications, we are able to give aspiring therapists the strongest possible foundation at the very beginning of their careers. We are excited to work alongside One Spa to help shape the next generation of exceptional spa professionals.”
Among the first to join the programme are Gaia and Poppie, two aspiring therapists entering the profession from very different backgrounds.
Originally from Milan, Gaia previously worked in marketing and has long held an interest in wellness, having grown up around alternative therapies through her mother’s work as an Ayurvedic therapist.
She said: “Wellness has always been something I’ve been passionate about, so having the chance to turn that into a career in such a supportive environment is incredibly exciting.
“It feels like the perfect opportunity to build something long term.”
Poppie, who has worked across a variety of hospitality roles, previously completed massage training through evening classes before deciding to pursue spa therapy professionally.
She said: “I always knew I enjoyed this kind of work, but I wanted the opportunity to explore it properly and develop real expertise.
“This gives me the chance to learn in a hands-on environment while building towards a genuine career.”
Alongside formal teaching at The Academy Glasgow, trainees will receive mentorship from senior One Spa therapists and gain exposure to every aspect of spa operations, including guest journeys, reception and behind-the-scenes service delivery.
This holistic training approach is designed to create well-rounded professionals equipped for long-term success within the sector.
Fiona added: “What sets this apart is the depth of experience. This is not simply a qualification — it’s a full introduction to the profession, delivered through expert education and immersive workplace learning.
“We want people to leave this programme feeling confident, capable and proud of the standards they’ve been trained to uphold.”
As demand for premium wellness experiences continues to grow, partnerships between education providers and employers are expected to play an increasingly important role in strengthening the future workforce of the spa industry.
Located in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle, Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa Edinburgh blends contemporary Scottish style with five-star hospitality, while One Spa remains one of Scotland’s leading luxury wellness destinations.
