Caerphilly-based Captiva Spa is one of many Welsh businesses seeing the benefits of professional collaboration after offering work placements to learners.
Through its partnership with Welsh training provider ACT, Captiva Spa has opened its doors to young apprentices aged 16 to 19, offering them real-world experience and the chance to develop practical on-the-job skills.
Sarah Bruton, managing director at Captiva Spa, decided to offer placements in response to the gap between education and employment readiness, something that she believed on-the-job training would bridge.
She said: 鈥淲e all know there鈥檚 a gap between what鈥檚 taught in school and what鈥檚 needed in the workplace, especially in the hair and beauty sector.
鈥淩ather than complaining about that gap, we thought 鈥榳hy not be part of the solution?鈥欌
While there were initial concerns about the additional commitments needed to support young learners, Sarah quickly found those fears to be unfounded.
鈥淲e expected it to be time-consuming and potentially challenging. But in reality, the learners were incredibly quick to adapt. They brought a real energy to the salon and very quickly became valued members of the team.鈥
And the impact has extended well beyond just having an extra pair of hands.
鈥淸The learners] ask questions, they challenge us to think differently, and that鈥檚 helped us improve our processes. They鈥檙e also much more aware of social media and emerging trends, which helps keep the business fresh and appealing to younger audiences,鈥 she added.
Captiva Spa has also seen how valuable these placements are in developing future talent. Many of the learners go on to stay with the business, becoming long-term employees. One standout success is the salon鈥檚 current deputy manager, who started as a learner on placement.
A thriving team
鈥淲e鈥檝e seen learners grow massively in just a few months. Their communication improves, their confidence grows, and they become genuine assets to the business,鈥 said Sarah.
And the benefits aren鈥檛 just one-sided. While learners gain invaluable workplace experience, the business gains a clearer understanding of its own development needs.
鈥淗aving learners on board has made us think more strategically about staff training and mentoring. It鈥檚 influenced how we approach workforce development across the whole team.鈥
The placement programme has also helped foster a culture of mentorship at Captiva Spa - something Sarah sees as vital not just for learners, but for all staff whether they鈥檝e been with the company 10 weeks or 10 years.
鈥淚t鈥檚 made us better at supporting each other. Our team now thrives on sharing knowledge, and that culture of learning benefits everyone,鈥 she added.
Looking to future growth
Sarah has her own advice to give other businesses considering whether to offer placements. She said: 鈥淒on鈥檛 focus on what the learners don鈥檛 know yet. Focus on what you can teach them. You鈥檒l find they bring just as much to your business as you give to them.鈥
Captiva Spa鈥檚 story is just one example of how work-based learning can benefit both learners and employers alike. ACT works with businesses across Wales to help young people gain meaningful experiences.
ACT is also encouraging more employers to offer real-world work placements and apprenticeships.
By doing this, businesses can play a vital role in developing young talent, shaping future professionals, and bringing fresh perspectives into their teams. In turn, learners gain confidence, resilience, and invaluable skills that can鈥檛 be taught in the classroom.
