Ark opens 'finishing school' for beauty therapists

Ark Age Aware Skincare has opened a new training academy at its headquarters in Putney, London.

Ark Academy, which has received accreditation as a Government recognised training centre, ensures therapists are commercially and professionally ready and working to the highest standards.

The school provides bespoke training and support for all brand partners who retail Ark products and treatments in their salon, advance courses in massage and Assessor Awards A1 & A2.

It will also soon be offering management development, customer service courses, reception training, refresher courses, team leadership skills, vocationally recognised qualification and international opportunities - full level 2 & 3 and short courses.

Academy director Sara Wilce said her reason for opening the academy is because she is finding it increasingly difficult to recruit therapists that are commercially viable, as they lack both the techniques and confidence in waxing and massage in particular.

She said: "The idea for the Ark Academy arose from that struggle and will allow newly qualified therapists to improve their techniques, gain that all important confidence and set them on the path to a fulfilling career."

In the future the academy aims to increase its recognition in the industry by becoming a Habia Member School/Centre for excellence and offer apprenticeships for on the job learning. It also aims to be awarded a Training Quality Standard (issued by the Skills Funding Agency), and Investors in People Award (issued by the UK commission for employment & skills).