UK theme park operator Gulliver’s is preparing the next phase of learning for five recruits earmarked for management positions through the company’s new in-house training programme.

Selected in Q3 2015 to train as “the next generation of managers” for the company, which operates three family theme parks in the UK with a fourth currently in the works, the five trainees – selected from a pool of 700 applicants – have now graduated to become line managers all assigned to new roles at one of the three parks where they will gain further experience and specialised knowledge to continue their career advancement.

"A career helping to run our theme parks is really unlike any other, so we realised the only way to prepare people for it was with our own management training programme," said Gulliver's director of guest services Dean Kimberley.

"A lot of planning went into creating the programme, which is very challenging and hands-on. It gives trainees a taste of every aspect the business, from being on the frontline entertaining our guests to all the jobs that go on behind the scenes every day."

During the training scheme, the trainees completed placements at each of the three parks, working both peak and quiet periods with a course designed to equip them with leadership skills, practical experience, technical understanding and product knowledge.