Merlin Entertainments Launches New Engineering Academy
The first engineering cohort at the launch event on the London Eye. Photo: Courtesy of Merlin Entertainments
(eap) Merlin Entertainments announces the launch of a new “Engineering Academy” this year. Set to debut initially in the UK, the program will serve the “Theme Park Engineers of tomorrow”. The three-year training program will start with a cohort of 12 apprentices and is planned to be expanded in subsequent years. The engineering apprentices will be offered a mix of theoretical expertise and practical experience. Merlin is partnering with a number of educational institutions – including JCB Academy, New City College (East London/Essex) and East Surrey College – to deliver a structured curriculum. For the hands-on experience, various Merlin-managed locations in the UK are available, including Alton Towers Resort, Thorpe Park Resort and the London Eye.
Merlin’s “Engineering Technician” and “Maintenance Operations Engineering Technician” training programs have received awards from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), which is meant to confirm the program’s alignment with industry best practices and standards. Existing Merlin engineers will also be able to benefit from the new program. To this end, a comprehensive training program will be offered providing training opportunities for current engineers to upskill.
“This visionary venture is not just about rollercoasters; it’s about propelling the industry into the future. The Merlin Engineering Academy is testament to Merlin’s dedication to inclusion, innovation, and delivering memorable joyful experiences. As the academy’s first apprentices step into our exhilarating world, they are on track to become the architects of excitement, ensuring safe and memorable experiences for our guests, now and into the future,” says Fiona Eastwood, Chief Operating Officer for Midway and Resort and Theme Parks for Merlin Entertainments.
Interest for an apprenticeship can be registered here. ■
