Beauty students from Wiltshire College & University Centre have ended the academic year with an inspiring visit to Thermae Bath Spa, where they explored careers in the beauty and wellness industry – and saw first-hand how a college trip helped one former student secure a job.
Students travelled by train to Bath, with some making the journey by rail for the first time, before taking part in an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the award-winning spa.
The group explored treatment rooms, steam rooms, saunas, an infrared room and the iconic rooftop pool, while learning about the range of careers available within the luxury wellness sector.
For 18-year-old Level 3 Beauty Therapy student Ella Parker, from Malmesbury, the same visit last year proved to be a turning point.
Inspired by what she saw, Ella applied for a Therapist Assistant role at Thermae Bath Spa after being given details of vacancies during the visit. She now works there every weekend while completing her studies.
Ella said: "We got shown all the treatment rooms and the different areas in the spa and they explained what it would be like to work there. At the end of the visit, they gave us an email address to contact about jobs and I knew straight away I wanted to apply."
Current students also praised this year's visit.
Level 2 Beauty Therapy student Florence Grist, from Melksham, said: "It was really interesting. We had a private tour of the spa and got to see all the different steam rooms, the infrared room and lots of areas."
Another student, Maddie, said the steam rooms, sauna and rooftop pool were among her favourite parts of the day.
One student was particularly impressed by the spa's ice room, describing the experience as "unreal".
Beauty lecturer Laura Lawrence said visits like this help students understand both the customer experience and the professional standards expected within the industry.
She said: "As well as exploring the facilities, our students experience what it's like to be a client and gain a real understanding of the professionalism and customer care expected in a luxury spa environment.
"Ella's journey is a fantastic example of how these experiences can inspire students and lead to real career opportunities. Giving our students the chance to visit employers and see the industry first-hand helps them build confidence, raise their aspirations and make informed decisions about their future careers."
The visit forms part of Wiltshire College & University Centre's commitment to giving students practical industry experience alongside their studies, helping prepare them for careers in the beauty and wellness sector.
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