The Global Wellness Institute's (GWI) Career Development Initiative has launched an online mentorship platform.

Now in its third year, the Global Mentorship Programme is the first-ever international programme where seasoned spa, wellness (and now hospitality) executives can give their time and share their expertise (mentors) to guide spa, wellness and hospitality professionals with potential (mentees) for positions within the sector.

As one of the early Initiatives of the Global Wellness Institute (GWI), the Global Mentorship Programme tackled a key topic: the staffing crisis.

Researchers examined industry challenges, made recommendations to increase the management talent pool and explored ways to spotlight available job opportunities.

In the recently published Global Wellness Economy Monitor, it was concluded that, "…since 2013, spas added 237,424 jobs to the global economy. Projections for the spa industry growth over the next 5 years indicate that there will be an estimated 2.8 million persons employed by spas in 2018 (1 million in Asia-Pacific ; 950,000 in Europe & 540,000 in North America). An additional 400,000 trained spa therapists and 70,000 experienced spa managers/directors will be needed by the industry in 2020."

With the launch of the online platform, mentors and mentees are now able to connect within 10 minutes: they simply log in, add a short biography and photo, and rate their skills within the framework of 16 main skills outlined in the Body of Knowledge suggested by ISPA in 2013.

The search is based on the top three skills that mentees want to develop, resulting in a list of possible mentors (with the best matches listed first) in their country, or across the world.

It is possible to switch roles: the programme offers the possibility to start a mentorship relationship as mentor - whenever you are available to guide and inspire; or as mentee - whenever you need to receive guidance in your career path, or want to become a better leader within your team or organisation.

Ideally a mentorship relationship lasts between three and six months, with a minimum of one 60-minute call between both parties every two weeks.

Relationships are guided and bound by a code of conduct, agreed to by the mentor and mentee, ensuring confidentiality. Mentees are asked to send their mentor questions or topics prior to each connection, then follow up with a recap.

This allows both mentors and mentees to have a clear picture of what was discussed, what actions were taken, and the progress made by the mentee.

The Global Mentorship Programme is spearheaded by a team of spa and wellness experts from around the world:

• CHAIR & regional director EUROPE: Jean-Guy de Gabriac - CEO of Tip Touch international

• TREASURER & regional director MIDDLE EAST: Shahida Siddique - CEO Altearah Bio• Regional director AFRICA : Emmy Stoltz - Owner Spa Fusion & board member South African Spa Association

• Regional director AUSTRALASIA: Kent Richards - corporate operations director Six Senses Hotels Resorts & Spas• NEW - regional director CANADA: Daryll Naidu - director of spa - Miraj Hammam Spa by Caudalie, Shangri-La Hotel & member of the board of directors spa industry association of Canada

• NEW - regional director CENTRAL & SOUTH AMERICA: Emmanuel Arroyo - regional director of wellness at Rosewood Hotel Group• NEW - regional director INDIA: Rekha Chaudhari - owner & managing director JCKRC

• NEW - regional director USA: Dawn Tardif - founder BodiScience Wellness Center & Spa & member of the board of directors ISPA

For the next two years they will supervise country ambassadors and work with associations, educational institutions and publications to spread the message about the platform.