Theme Park Career Development Programs
Our structured learning paths connect aspiring entertainment professionals with real-world experience. Starting in August 2026, we're offering hands-on training that goes beyond classroom theory and actually prepares you for work in this unique industry.
You'll spend time working with operational teams, learning safety protocols, understanding guest experience design, and building the practical skills that hiring managers look for. No promises about guaranteed jobs – just honest preparation for a competitive field.
What You'll Actually Learn
Our curriculum focuses on practical competencies. We've built this program with input from operations managers who know what skills matter most when someone's starting out.
Operations Fundamentals
- Daily procedures and opening/closing protocols
- Capacity management techniques
- Queue line psychology and flow optimization
- Weather contingency planning
- Cross-departmental communication systems
Safety and Compliance
- ASTM standards for amusement rides
- Emergency response coordination
- Incident documentation requirements
- Equipment inspection procedures
- ADA accessibility considerations
Guest Experience Design
- Service recovery strategies
- Conflict de-escalation techniques
- Themed entertainment principles
- Peak season crowd management
- Special needs accommodation planning
Technical Systems
- Point-of-sale and ticketing platforms
- Digital queue management systems
- Basic ride mechanics overview
- Audio and show control basics
- Maintenance scheduling software
Business Operations
- Revenue center coordination
- Inventory management for retail/food
- Labor scheduling optimization
- Performance metrics analysis
- Budget awareness for front-line teams
Applied Practicum
- Six-week supervised placement
- Real shift responsibilities
- Portfolio project development
- Professional networking opportunities
- Interview preparation workshops
Program Timeline
The eighteen-week format balances classroom instruction with practical application. We run cohorts twice a year, and class sizes stay small so everyone gets meaningful attention.
Program Launch
Orientation week covers industry overview, safety certifications, and facility tours. You'll meet your cohort and get comfortable with our training venues before diving into coursework.
Core Instruction Phase
Intensive classroom sessions three days per week, with two days reserved for hands-on labs. This is when we cover operations fundamentals, safety protocols, and guest service frameworks in depth.
Skills Application Module
You'll rotate through different departmental simulations – attractions, food service, retail, and entertainment. This phase emphasizes problem-solving under realistic conditions with immediate feedback.
Supervised Practicum
Six weeks embedded with an operating venue or partner facility. You'll work real shifts alongside experienced staff, participate in daily operations, and complete a capstone project documenting what you learned.
Program Completion
Final presentations, portfolio review, and certificate ceremony. We host a networking event with hiring managers from regional venues, though job placement depends on individual performance and market conditions.
Meet Your Instructors
Soren Kjeldsen
Operations DirectorSoren spent fifteen years managing large-scale theme park operations across three continents. He's handled everything from opening-day logistics to emergency weather evacuations. His approach is practical – he teaches the stuff that textbooks usually skip over but that you'll actually use every day.
Elara Kosovic
Guest Experience LeadElara started as a seasonal attractions operator and worked her way up to overseeing guest services for a major regional park. She's known for her patient coaching style and her ability to turn stressful service situations into teaching moments that stick with you.
Applications Open February 2026
We're accepting applications for the August 2026 cohort starting in early February. Class size is limited to twenty participants to maintain quality instruction and adequate supervision during practicum placements.