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

The ARK Academy aims to offer newly qualified spa therapists a 'finishing school', equippping them to be commercially and professionally ready for the working environment.

Academy Director Sara Wilce said: "I've spent the last 12 years of my career trying to recruit commercially viable therapists and it is getting increasingly difficult to do so with lack of technique and confidence in massage in particular.

"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."

She added that the academy aims to gain the recognition of the industry by achieving the status of being A HABIA member school/centre of excellence.

It will shortly be launching a number of new training packages covering a range of operational areas, such as management development, reception training, customer service, team leadership skills and refresher courses for therapists returning to the industry.

The ARK Academy's existing services include advanced courses in massage; bespoke training and support for all partners who retail ARK products; and assessor awards A1 & A2.