ACM GRADUATE INTERVIEW - Ben Hewitt

19/04/2010

A general interest in sport first led ACM graduate Ben Hewitt to study massage, now he is the Manager of an award winning Day Spa!

Ben´s massage career spans across many sectors of the massage industry – sports, aged care, spa and what’s next? - Oncology!

What first interested you about Massage?

While studying my bachelor of physical education I took massage as a subject. I had always played sports and had received massage treatments as part of my recovery. After completing the massage subject in my university course I began to see how it could really benefit people. I then began working in the aged care field and saw a different application for massage and this is when I decided to study massage.

How long have you been massaging?

I first undertook my certificate IV in massage in 2005 with ACM. I applied my massage training to my employment within the aged care sector, where I was working as a physio assistant and volunteered as a sports trainer with the Melbourne Football Club. In August 2006 I moved to regional Victoria and found myself working as a causal massage therapist at the award winning Salus Spa at Lake House Daylesford.

When first commencing my massage training I had never pictured myself to work in the spa industry I always thought I would work either in the sports arena or the health care sector. But, I soon become part of the team at Salus and was welcomed into the Lake House family.

While at Salus I completed my Diploma in Remedial Massage at ACM in Ballarat, and completed several short courses including elemis spa therapy training and most recently I have began studying oncology massage.

"I have worked my way up from casual massage therapist to my current position as Spa Manager of Salus."

What do you enjoy most about massaging?

The ability to apply massage to a diverse range of clients, there is always an application for its use - from just unwinding the everyday stresses of life to providing pain relief for those with chronic illnesses.

What was your experience at ACM like?

ACM provided me with a local solution to my furthering my knowledge and skills as a massage therapist.

"I was able to continue full time employment while studying at ACM as they delivered the course in a flexible manner."

The lecturers were approachable and easy to learn from.

How have your studies at ACM assisted preparing you for working in the massage industry?

I was already working in the massage industry when commencing study at ACM. ACM helped me further my skills and knowledge which enabled me take the next step in my career.

What advice would you give aspiring massage therapists?

The spa/massage industry over the last few years has grown as its own branch of the health industry.

"With society focusing more on health and wellbeing, the prevention of disease has become just as important as cure."

Massage is becoming more recognised as a form of treatment just as important as physiotherapy, occupational therapy and medical treatment. We as therapists need to be confident in our abilities no matter which industry we might work within. Our treatments have a significant physiological effects on the mind and body on every client that we treat.

As the massage industry is always changing, different styles and advancements are always occurring so continue to further increase your knowledge whether it is learning new assessment techniques or attending a conference. There is always something new to learn you’ll never know it all.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

Becoming the Manager of a Salus Spa at Lake House and being given the opportunity to lead a team of therapists to win awards such as:

Australia’s Best Spa Experience (The Australian Travel & Tourism Awards), and Australia’s Best Spa/Health Resort (The Australian Gourmet Traveller Travel Awards).