Two spa therapists have secured permanent full-time jobs at Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa in Windermere after completing a work experience initiative.

The opportunity was offered to Maya McGregor of Grasmere and Rhianna Bland of Kendal by English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues, who allowed them to undertake 30 hours of work experience during their two-year courses with Kendal College.

Maya and Rhianna both attained their Level 2 Technical Qualifications and Level 3 Diplomas in Beauty Therapy before applying for full-time positions at Low Wood Bay.

They went through a multi-stage interview process and trade test before successfully securing employment with the hotel group.

During their work experience, Maya and Rhianna had the chance to observe key roles in the spa and understand how the system operates.

They also received training on the delivery of spa treatments and techniques, including shadowing experienced spa therapists and reception staff.

Maya and Rhianna were able to experience treatments first-hand to see how they are personalised for each individual client.

Maya said: “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.”

Both therapists also passed their ESPA essential face and body training, with instruction from Kiera Carrick, an ESPA qualified trainer.

Kiera, who is spa training and development manager at Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa, said: “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.”