When Ella Parker first walked through the doors of Thermae Bath Spa on a college trip last year, it felt a world away from the classroom.

The calm treatment rooms. The atmosphere. The conversations happening between therapists and guests from across the globe. For the 17-year-old Beauty Therapy student from Malmesbury, it was more than just a day out with her course – it was the first time she could truly picture herself building a future in the industry she loved.

Now, just a year later, Ella is no longer visiting the spa as a student – she works there.

Currently studying her Level 3 Beauty Therapy at Wiltshire College & University Centre, the 18-year-old now spends her weekends working behind the scenes at one of the UK’s most recognisable spa destinations – helping therapists prepare for treatments, welcoming guests and experiencing the fast-paced world of luxury wellness first-hand.

“It’s such a nice environment to work in,” Ella said. “There’s people visiting from all around the world and it’s really lovely getting to meet so many different people.”

Ella first visited the spa while studying Level 2 Beauty Therapy at college, after being invited to join a trip alongside Level 3 students.

Before the spa opened to the public that morning, students were given a private tour of the building, treatment areas and facilities, while staff explained what careers in the industry could look like.

For Ella, something clicked.

“We got shown all the treatment rooms and the different areas in the spa and they explained what it would be like to work there,” she said. “At the end of the visit, they gave us an email address to contact about jobs – and I knew straight away I wanted to apply.”

Ella applied through multiple routes, kept in contact with the spa and eventually secured an interview for a Therapist Assistant role.

“I was nervous,” she admitted. “But I also felt more confident because we’d already visited and I understood the environment and the role.”

The confidence pulled off – with Ella being offered a role.

Now balancing college during the week with shifts every weekend, Ella is already building the kind of industry experience many students only dream about.

Her role involves preparing treatment rooms before the spa opens, supporting therapists throughout the day and helping everything run smoothly behind the scenes.

“It can be really busy, especially on weekends,” she said. “But I enjoy that because it keeps me busy and every day feels different.”

Between early starts, exams and weekend shifts, life is full-on – but Ella says the experience has already helped her grow personally and professionally.

“It’s definitely helped my confidence,” she said. “And college has prepared me really well because we already learn consultations, treatments and massage techniques, so I’ve gone into the role with knowledge already behind me.”

She also credits her tutors for helping her feel ready to take that next step into industry.

“The support from the lecturers has been really important,” she said. “They help prepare you for working professionally and believing in yourself.”

Ella has now completed her Level 3 qualification and hopes her journey at the spa is only just beginning.

While she dreams of one day potentially owning her own beauty business, right now she is focused on learning everything she can.

“At the moment, I just want to keep building experience and see where it takes me,” she said.

For Ella, what started as a college trip has become something much bigger – a glimpse into her future that she was brave enough to chase.

And now, every weekend, she walks back through those same spa doors not as a visitor, but as part of the team.

Current Beauty Therapy students from Wiltshire College & University Centre recently visited Thermae Bath Spa themselves, following in Ella’s footsteps as they explored careers within the spa and wellness industry.

This year’s students visited Thermae Bath Spa

Ella’s story began with a visit to Thermae Bath Spa. This summer, another group of Wiltshire College & University Centre Beauty Therapy students had the opportunity to explore the spa, meet industry professionals and discover careers in the beauty and wellness sector.

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