Merlin Entertainments Launches ACCELERATE Apprenticeship Academy with HIT Training

Merlin Entertainments, the world’s second largest visitor attraction operator, has today announced the launch of a dedicated apprenticeship programme aimed at progressing chefs and managers up through the business.

The best-in-class programme, which will support 50 apprentices at the outset, has been designed in partnership with HIT Training – the expert training provider in the hospitality industry – and will be used as a recruitment tool to attract and retain the top talent in the leisure industry.

The programme will offer staff the choice of five different apprenticeships covering Hospitality Team Member Food Production, Commis Chef, Chef De Partie, Senior Production Chef and Team Leader. Over the course of the programmes, the apprentices will take part in a mix of work-based learning, workshops and will also benefit from visiting and networking across different Merlin attractions in the UK.

Holly Foot, Resourcing & Development Manager at Merlin Entertainments, said: “Our attractions are constantly evolving, so offering high-quality training is paramount to help develop and attract the calibre of chefs and managers we need. The diversity of our business often makes it more difficult to recruit for specific roles. We hope that creating a tailored programme will allow our apprentices to acquire the knowledge needed to run the day-to-day operations at our attractions, providing them with the experience and inspiration to progress into their dream roles. We’re committed to providing the best learning environment in support of great careers in our industry.”

“The team at HIT Training have gone above and beyond to make our vision a reality. They have hit the ground running, not just in terms of creating an apprenticeship programme that embodies the core values and ethos of our business but also with how they have integrated into our team. As a customer, there is a feeling that no matter who you are dealing with, everyone on the HIT team cares.”

Jill Whittaker, Managing Director at HIT Training, commented: “Together with Merlin Entertainments, we have developed a flexible and unique training programme that will help to upskill current employees and attract future recruits. This is what we’re all about at HIT, which is why we’re proud to be supporting Merlin Entertainments to develop their talent and grow their business.”

As part of its commitment to investing in staff, Merlin Entertainments plans to extend its apprenticeship programme to support the progression of additional team members within its attractions.

For more information and to speak to a HIT representative about Merlin Entertainments apprenticeship programme or to discuss a bespoke programme for your business, please call 0800 093 5892 or visit www.hittraining.co.uk.