The details: Casie-Mai Lusher (19), Lily Pemberton-Clougherty (18), and Scarlet Adams (18) have all secured full-time positions at the newly reopened spa following their graduation from Suffolk New College.
Casie-Mai and Scarlet particularly impressed during end-of-term competitive trade tests judged by Riverhills' Spa Manager Debbie Lawes, where top-performing students demonstrated their skills.
"At Riverhills, we're passionate about giving every guest an amazing experience and that starts with exceptional therapist treatments," said Debbie Lawes. "It was a real pleasure to be invited to Suffolk New College's end-of-year trade tests and to see the incredible talent coming through. I'm absolutely delighted that three of their top students have now joined our team."
The bigger picture: The relationship between the college and Riverhills strengthened during the spa's fire-induced closure in 2023, when Suffolk New College offered use of their treatment rooms for eight weeks, allowing Riverhills therapists to continue caring for guests.
College staff were among the first to enjoy the upgraded facilities during exclusive soft launch events this spring following the £5 million rebuild.
What's next: The three new team members are working with the spa's in-house trainer Claire Richardson and will complete a five-day intensive training programme in August to enhance their treatment expertise.
"I'm really excited to be starting my career at Riverhills, especially after their amazing £5 million rebuild—it's such an exciting time to join," said therapist Lily Pemberton-Clougherty. "The spa has such a great reputation, and when Debbie came to speak at the college, it really inspired me."
Hayley McGlone, Curriculum Coordinator for Beauty Therapy at Suffolk New College Ipswich, said: "We're absolutely delighted that three of our recent graduates have been snapped up by Riverhills, a company we've come to know well over the past few years. It's a real coup for our students to start their careers in such a well-established and respected spa."
The bottom line: This partnership shows how local businesses and educational institutions can work together to create meaningful career opportunities for young people in Suffolk's wellness sector.
