Deadline for 2016 Global Mentorship Programme announced

The team behind the Global Mentorship Programme has announced that entries for the 2016 edition of the programme will close in a month’s time.

The programme, which launched in January this year, kicks off again in January 2016, when the first of two six-month long sessions begin, with entries for both closing on October 31.

The mentorship programme, the first international initiative of its kind in the spa and wellness industry, sees spa managers interested in elevating their experience paired with a more senior spa director mentor.

Mentee spa managers, who must have at least two years’ experience, are matched with a spa director with a minimum of five years’ experience. Mentees are in touch with their mentor, who can be based anywhere in the world, for insight and advice at least twice a month.

The inaugural 2015 edition of the programme saw 34 mentees in 22 countries paired with 17 mentors, and programme organisers are aiming for 100 mentees and 50 mentors in 2016.

Jean-Guy de Gabriac, founder of spa consultancy Tip Touch International and co-chair of the Global Mentorship Programme, said: “In 2016, we will continue to grow the visibility of the programme”.

The first six month session will run January-June; with the second taking place July-December. The Global Mentorship Programme will also present a publication at this year’s Global Wellness Summit in Mexico on November 13-15.

The publication will feature the results of questionnaires filled in by the 2015 mentees and mentors, before and after undertaking the programme, detailing their expectations and experiences of the initiative.

De Gabriac said: “The feedback reveals that 98% of mentors and mentees believe the programme was either ‘successful’ or ‘very successful’, while 97% of mentees believe their participation helped them be a more effective spa manger.”

The full list of 2016 mentors has yet to be released. However, it has been revealed that Liz Holmes, national health and beauty manager at Virgin Active in the UK, will be one of the mentors. 

The programme is sponsored by skincare brand Biologique Recherche and spa bed and equipment manufacturer Gharieni.