We take a look at engineering jobs in leisure and tourism.

Think outside the box – why not put your STEM skills to use in the leisure and tourism industry as a theme park engineer.

When thinking about leisure and tourism careers you could be forgiven for thinking that it’s all about holiday reps, hotels, spas and sports facilities. We thought that it would be fun to take a look at some of the jobs that people do at theme parks – in particular we thought that we would highlight the workers who make the magic happen.

When you visit a theme park you will see people working in lots of different job roles. There will be retail workers, catering and security staff and ride operators. Behind the scenes there will be people working in HR, finance, admin roles, marketing and management too.

Before anyone can get to work in the variety of job roles that exist at a theme park though, that theme park has to come about. This takes designers, engineers and builders of all types. Imagine designing and creating something that will bring so much fun and entertainment to people!

At the design stage of a theme park there will be concept artists, illustrators, graphic designers, interior designers and engineers. Between them they will find a way to bring the magic to life.

Once the idea is there, it’s up to the engineers to work out how the rides will work - then work can begin on building the theme park.

Building the theme park takes a large team. This will include electrical, electronic, sound, and mechanical engineers using all sorts of skills, including video and film. In addition to engineers, building a theme park takes carpenters, painters, sculptors and architects as well as health and safety professionals.

Ainsley James is an electrical area manager for Thorpe Park Resort. Ainsley studied for a Level 3 NVQ and a BTEC Certificate in Engineering and completed an advanced engineering modern apprenticeship.

As an engineer at the Thorpe Park Resort we ensure the safety of our guests at all times. Safety is of paramount importance and always our number one priority. To ensure this level of safety is achieved, every attraction is rigorously inspected and tested before each day of the operating season. Any malfunctions or repairs that require assistance are prioritised and rectified by the engineering team. “My role as electrical area manager is to organise the preventative, reactive and winter maintenance tasks and to ensure the smooth running of the attractions within my area.

Throughout the winter when the park is closed to guests, each attraction is disassembled down to component level and inspected by an independent inspection body to ensure they’re all in a satisfactory condition. When the inspection is completed and the components have passed all the relevant checks the attraction is then rebuilt. A full functional test must then be completed and once everything has passed inspection, we’re issued with a ‘declaration of conformity’. This certificate proves that each attraction is safe to operate.

I like to think that as a team we ensure families can come and enjoy a great visit to Thorpe Park. These visits are remembered and a great time for everyone to create fun memories and prove their courage by going on some of the terrifying rides we have – like ‘Stealth’ or ‘XX’.

Our umbrella company, Merlin also runs a charity - Merlin’s Magic Wand. The charity arranges days out for seriously ill, disabled and disadvantaged children and this also has a positive impact on people’s lives around us.

Engineering involves finding solutions to problems or tasks. When a problem is rectified and the results are noticed, it gives me a great sense of achievement. “From a young age I was interested in finding out how everything works - this basically meant I would take everything apart with no idea how to put it back together!

I was successful in securing an apprenticeship within a small engineering team responsible for the maintenance of a complete printing and binding factory in Colchester. The training program lasted four years and involved attending college and onsite training to develop my skills and gain a qualification. Once my training was complete, I was lucky enough to be offered a full time job within the team.

A good understanding of maths and science is essential. The skills that I developed throughout school and college have formed the basis of all the engineering decisions and projects I am able to undertake here on the resort.”

With thanks to Tomorrow’s Engineers. To find out more visit www.tomorrowsengineers.org.uk