Education/training
Cashing in on spa boomThe spa business is on the verge of a boom. No one knows for sure what's causing it, although it's a fair bet that aging, the general wear and tear of everyday life, and a desire for healthier living all play their part. DAVID CHILTON |
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 [ 2006-03-29 ] |
To meet the anticipated growth in the industry, many colleges, public and private, offer a variety of programs for students, whether full time or through continuing education. Humber College, for example, offers Spa Technician and Spa Management programs, Centennial College has a Spa Assistant course and Seneca offers an esthetician's program.
Elmcrest College of Applied Health Sciences and Spa Management, a private career college in Toronto, has a 10-month full-time program in spa management that has been running for three years. Sandy Gunning, dean of Elmcrest College, says there is one intake a year for the program and it is capped at 20 students. This year there are 10 students enrolled in the program, last year there were 12. Enrolment so far has been 100% women, although the program is perfectly suitable for either sex, Gunning says.
"To enter our program we require proof of secondary school graduation. But because this program is so advanced we also take a hard look at what (applicants') career experiences have been so far and what their backgrounds are. Our most successful students have come to us, for the most part, with some sort of post-secondary diploma," Gunning says.
The program runs from September to June, and it isn't easy, she continues, explaining that students have basic, mid- and upper-level subjects to master. At the basic level there are such subjects as customer service, retail sales and a behind-the-scenes look at spas; mid-level topics include accounting, preparing budgets, human resources management and leadership skills. Upper-level subjects cover what Gunning calls "longer term management," including formulating strategy. There are final exams for all courses, although at Elmcrest there are no work placement requirements. Tuition is $9,200.
The average age of the women in the program is about 30, says Gunning, although she has had enrollees in their mid-40s and career changers represent a growing segment of all students.
Heather Cook graduates from Elmcrest this June. She spent a year at Centennial studying to be a spa assistant and realized she liked the management side of the business more. However, like Gunning, Cook cautions that the program isn't a piece of cake. "You have to be committed because there is a lot to learn," she says.
Jacqui Cipin also graduates from Elmcrest this June and is one of those career changers Gunning mentioned. Cipin spent 20 years in the travel industry before switching direction, and calls the program both difficult and hands-on. Cipin isn't sure if she wants day-to-day spa management when she graduates, speculating that she might combine her group travel background with working for a hotel or resort spa.
Cook's plans, however, seem to be mapped out. She already works part time at Elm Spa, which is affiliated with Elmcrest, and expects to be hired full time on graduation.
Whether Cipin and Cook -- and their fellow graduates -- follow their current plans or pursue other avenues in spa management, finding a job that pays well shouldn't be difficult at all.
Gunning says at the high end there are positions available in the $60,000 range, and even dropping down a tier or two spa managers can expect to start at $35,000 to $40,000 a year.
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QUICK FACTS
- The Spa Management program at Elmcrest College lasts 10 months full time.
- Enrolment is capped at 20 students.
- Applicants need at least high school graduation.
- Tuition costs $9,200.
- Prospects for spa managers are good to excellent.
- Many colleges, public and private, offer a variety of programs whether full time or through continuing education. Humber College, for example, offers Spa Technician and Spa Management programs, Centennial College has a Spa Assistant course and Seneca College offers an esthetician's program.
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