Higher level needs of the spa sector

22 Jun 2011

26 representatives from the spa industry in Sussex and the wider south-east attended the launch of a new report from the Centre for Work and Learning.

Launched at the East Sussex National Golf Club near Uckfield, CPD at HE level for the Spa industries in Sussex and the South East, written by Gill Short of Sussex Downs College and Sarah Watson of Sussex Coast College Hastings, examines the market conditions and the training needs of the spa sector in the area.

The authors conclude that "The identified learning needs at level 4 are primarily in advanced therapeutic treatments and self care for therapists. The demand for enterprise skills for managers is significant but lower in terms of volume, clustering or easy access to a college."

They also say that "Interestingly there is a good level of congruence with the research findings from HABIA and BISA. Spas are facing challenges in terms of business growth and having and keeping the right staff and training could help to overcome these difficulties."

Vanessa Nannan, the General Manager of the Good Spa Guide echoed these sentiments. "I think this has been a really good exercise. There's a really good cross-section of spas from 5 star to the more affordable. They're all saying the same thing about training and this echoes our findings."

Nannan was optimistic about the sector but offered a word of caution. "The sector is growing and the level of expectation is a lot higher. It is important that training is not just from their product house."

For more information contact Sarah Watson