How to become a fairground worker
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
College
You may be able to do a college course to get some of the skills you'll need for this job. Courses include:
- Level 2 Certificate in Mechanical Engineering
- Level 3 Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
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Apprenticeship
You could start by doing a maintenance engineering technician advanced apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
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Work
You may be able to join a theme park or fairground as part of the ticketing and admissions team or catering services. You could then move into operating and maintaining rides as you get more experience and do training on the job.
Direct Application
You could apply for maintenance jobs with theme parks if you've got experience in mechanical or electrical service and repair work. Employers will prefer you to be 18 or over for insurance purposes.
You may be able to apply at age 16 for seasonal work to operate smaller rides and collect fares, without having the maintenance duties.