Offering the same premier training as we do our own staff, we recently launched the PURE Training Academy, an SQA-accredited facility offering day courses. These are ideal for adding to your CV or accrediting yourself as an independent therapist.
Want to know more? We caught up with Lyn McCartney, Group Training Manager and the gorgeous lady behind the PURE Training Academy.
How long have you been with PURE Spa & Beauty? Have you always been Group Training Manager?
I started with the company in 2007, so this is my 8th year here. I came straight from college and worked as a therapist in Ocean Terminal. I’ve held several positions within the company, becoming a senior, head therapist, and eventually becoming manager of PURE Lothian Road in 2010.
I progressed to my current role as Group Training Manager in September 2014, creating all the training manuals and leading our SQA Accreditation so that the PURE Training Academy could launch.
The PURE Training Academy is “SQA accredited”. What does that mean?
It means that we have the approval to offer specific qualifications in our training centre, offering candidates an alternative to attending college.
Becoming accredited is a strict two stage process where we had to demonstrate to the SQA that we have the management structure and quality assurance systems to support the delivery, assessment and internal verification of a SQA qualification.
What courses are available at the moment? How do these compare to other qualifications?
We are currently offering three full day courses: Manicure, Pedicure and Spray Tan. These are great for people looking to add to their qualifications, or looking for a change in career. Each courses is available at £200 + VAT (with discount available for those booking in for all three).
After successful completion of the course you will be granted with a recognised PURE Spa & Beauty certificate.
Will there be more courses available?
Yes! We want to have lots more to offer. We are hoping to move onto being able to offer some of the individual SQA modules and eventually moving onto offering the full NC Beauty Care Course.
Where is the PURE Training Academy?
Our academy is located at PURE Lothian Road, Edinburgh. This was our very first location, opened in 2002 — so there’s something quite fitting that it became our first training location!
The PURE Training Academy operates alongside the salon itself, giving our students first-hand experience, working alongside our fully-qualified therapists and following the same protocols.
What happens at each course?
Each course is a blend of theory and practical work. Candidates need to learn the relevant anatomy and physiology, health and safety, consultation procedures, contra-indications and actions, aftercare, as well as the practical application.
This means that the candidates will be fully knowledgeable and confident in providing these treatments when completing the course, whilst also understanding best customer service practice.
What will the PURE Training Academy look like in 5 years?
We will hopefully have our own training location offering a variety of full time and part time courses.
With our rapid expansion plans, we hope that this would tie into our recruitment strategy, training the therapists of tomorrow and being able to provide them with employment opportunities at the end of their course. This will also run hand in hand with our intensive new start training and continuing to develop our existing staff too.