jonnyfingers Posted February 28, 2012 Report Share Posted February 28, 2012 I appreciate that but what other jobs do you think even exist? Unless you have management skills, then nothing else would be in your range.I'm not sure why you're being a little bit hostile towards me. I just saw a job that was of interest to me in the Theme Park industry and applied for it to get my CV into Merlin's HR department. I only posted on here on the off chance that anyone else might be going for it, or might have had a similar role in the past, and because I'm genuinely excited that my skills are somewhat suited to a job in the Theme Park industry.Yes that job I applied for is probably not the best fit for me, but at other Merlin parks, especially Thorpe and Alton Towers, as ride systems are only going to become more complex in the years to come, future jobs may become available and that's when Merlin having my CV on file becomes useful. I'm thinking of the drop track section on Thirteen, the new Sub Terra ride, the possible interactive themeing on Swarm and SW7 at AT. All complex ride systems that use logic controllers and HMIs for operator and engineer interfaces. Not to mention any advanced dark ride that may go in at some point in the future, maybe something along the lines of Spiderman or Forbidden Journey at IOA.Also the controls systems on older rides at Merlin will need to be updated at some point, as I think has happened recently enough on Vampire when the drive systems were changed to new motors. Having someone on the team that's experienced in updating old systems and designing new ones would be beneficial. At that stage my skills and experience might be very useful to Merlin.But I do agree with you that Chessington might not be the best fit for someone like me, but it's the only Merlin park advertising a job that's similar to a role I'd be interested in at the moment. Sheepie 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
insider9150 Posted February 28, 2012 Report Share Posted February 28, 2012 Chessington have some very experienced system control engineers already, that design and build alot of bit on the rides and around park. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benin Posted February 28, 2012 Report Share Posted February 28, 2012 Explains why the ride systems are so bad then Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
insider9150 Posted February 28, 2012 Report Share Posted February 28, 2012 please explain!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonnyfingers Posted February 28, 2012 Report Share Posted February 28, 2012 Chessington have some very experienced system control engineers already, that design and build alot of bit on the rides and around park.Thanks for that info. I'm sure all the parks have very good engineers. I'd love to find out more about their day to day activities and whether they have any input on new rides. If it's like my industry most of the work is usually done by outside contractors working for the designers, which is not always ideal as utilising in-house knowledge is sometimes much better, and more cost effective.Explains why the ride systems are so bad then Most problems with ride systems are most likely due to mechanical or electrical reasons. Any problems are then down to wear and tear and possibly inadequate parts/maintenance. The actual ride control program would be relatively straight forward, dealing with the blocking system, providing alarms when certain safety conditions aren't met, etc. Things get a bit more complicated if there is elaborate interactive themeing, or the ride uses a lot of technology that requires control, for instance trackless guidance systems. Sheepie 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benin Posted February 28, 2012 Report Share Posted February 28, 2012 I do know why rides break down, evidently even adding a wink smiley at the end of a joke doesn't mean crap...I've worked with a few of the rides at the park, and some rides are just really awful system wise, regardless of any external or internal issues... Truckers springs to mind...So yeah, thanks for the lecture that wasn't needed, most people on here understand the basics... Tom 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonnyfingers Posted February 28, 2012 Report Share Posted February 28, 2012 So yeah, thanks for the lecture that wasn't needed, most people on here understand the basics...Apologies, I didn't mean it to come across that way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan9 Posted February 28, 2012 Report Share Posted February 28, 2012 So yeah, thanks for the lecture that wasn't needed, most people on here understand the basics...I see TPM's still doing well ensuring all new members feel as welcome as possible then. Not everyone's an experienced forum maestro from the word go Benin. thorpeparkjack, Mr Rabbit, Sheepie and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HAJiME Posted February 29, 2012 Report Share Posted February 29, 2012 Hey jonnyfingers, have you thought about trying to get in not with a park, but with an external company who deals with rides? Surely there would be a higher salary available there, and whilst the entire job wouldn't just be dealing with rides, I think you could specialise? I'm thinking of the companies that deal with inspections and safety maintainance, but I'm sure there must be other engineering consultants the parks bring in for various reasons? I mean, a friend's dad dealt with something to do with Hydro at Oakwood when they changed it's restraints... Something to do with providing hydraulics. It's not all obvious specialists the parks go to.Or contact some of the manufacturers, or companies who deal with some manufacturing for rides (might have to do some digging), to see if you can get an internship or something? That would be better than dropping £40k for £20k, as it might lead to more £40k. I wouldn't wanna loose that kind of salary either and I'm pretty sure in this vaaaast industry there's something there for you. Whether there's something in the UK for you might be another matter, but there probably is. At least there's the freedom to move anywhere in the EU you please, a lot of people seem to forget that.Good luck though. When I started digging about in creative design I was shocked at how huge the industry really is. jonnyfingers and Sheepie 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonnyfingers Posted February 29, 2012 Report Share Posted February 29, 2012 Hey jonnyfingers, have you thought about trying to get in not with a park, but with an external company who deals with rides? Surely there would be a higher salary available there, and whilst the entire job wouldn't just be dealing with rides, I think you could specialise? I'm thinking of the companies that deal with inspections and safety maintainance, but I'm sure there must be other engineering consultants the parks bring in for various reasons? I mean, a friend's dad dealt with something to do with Hydro at Oakwood when they changed it's restraints... Something to do with providing hydraulics. It's not all obvious specialists the parks go to.Or contact some of the manufacturers, or companies who deal with some manufacturing for rides (might have to do some digging), to see if you can get an internship or something? That would be better than dropping £40k for £20k, as it might lead to more £40k. I wouldn't wanna loose that kind of salary either and I'm pretty sure in this vaaaast industry there's something there for you. Whether there's something in the UK for you might be another matter, but there probably is. At least there's the freedom to move anywhere in the EU you please, a lot of people seem to forget that.Good luck though. When I started digging about in creative design I was shocked at how huge the industry really is.Thanks for the suggestion. I've been keeping an eye on most of the major ride manufacturers over the last few months for job openings. The only manufacturer that has a suitable open job at the moment is S&S, however that's in Utah so I doubt I'll go for it! But even so the work I do would probably be contracted out by the manufacturers so it's a matter of finding out which companies do that work. I'll ask around and see what I can find out. And it's true what you say about the whole EU being open, in fact I'm Irish and have already moved to the UK for work so moving again doesn't bother me that much, although I do like it here.Just an update on the Chessington job. Their HR department have come back to me saying the think I'd be a great candidate but won't be able to offer me anywhere near the salary I'm currently on. I've asked them what's the absolute maximum they could offer and I'll see if I can come down a bit and maybe we could find some middle ground. I currently commute 120 miles a day for work, but I live close enough to Chessington so working there would save me a lot on fuel costs. All that's unlikely to be honest, and even if everything works out I'd still have to go through the recruitment process and there's no guarantee I'd even get the job! Still you get nothing without trying. Sheepie and HAJiME 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fred Posted February 29, 2012 Report Share Posted February 29, 2012 Look at companies similar to Consign? Consign deal with all the electrical work for B&M, for instance, and are the ones who come and do anything relating to their systems at the parks. jonnyfingers 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheepie Posted February 29, 2012 Report Share Posted February 29, 2012 Just an update on the Chessington job. Their HR department have come back to me saying the think I'd be a great candidate but won't be able to offer me anywhere near the salary I'm currently on. I've asked them what's the absolute maximum they could offer and I'll see if I can come down a bit and maybe we could find some middle ground. I currently commute 120 miles a day for work, but I live close enough to Chessington so working there would save me a lot on fuel costs. All that's unlikely to be honest, and even if everything works out I'd still have to go through the recruitment process and there's no guarantee I'd even get the job! Still you get nothing without trying.Wow, you commute 120 miles each day? That is commitment my friend! I'm sure what I'm about to say has already crossed your mind but honestly, the quality of your life is not necessarily dependant on the amount you earn. £40K to £25-30K is quite a jump down, and that is one hell of a plunge, however, as you say you live closer to Chessington which means you save on travel costs plus you get more time to yourself each day. I guess it depends on whether you're happy in your current job and what made you apply for this position in the first place. If anything, it'll certainly be a fantastic experience for yourself. I'd go along to the assessment personally and see what you think of the role.Welcome to the forums by the way- I've been thoroughly enjoying reading your posts and what you have to say! jonnyfingers 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonnyfingers Posted February 29, 2012 Report Share Posted February 29, 2012 Look at companies similar to Consign? Consign deal with all the electrical work for B&M, for instance, and are the ones who come and do anything relating to their systems at the parks.Will do, thanks.Wow, you commute 120 miles each day? That is commitment my friend! I'm sure what I'm about to say has already crossed your mind but honestly, the quality of your life is not necessarily dependant on the amount you earn. £40K to £25-30K is quite a jump down, and that is one hell of a plunge, however, as you say you live closer to Chessington which means you save on travel costs plus you get more time to yourself each day. I guess it depends on whether you're happy in your current job and what made you apply for this position in the first place. If anything, it'll certainly be a fantastic experience for yourself. I'd go along to the assessment personally and see what you think of the role.Welcome to the forums by the way- I've been thoroughly enjoying reading your posts and what you have to say! Thanks for the welcome, have been a lurker for while though it was about time I posted something!But yes, everything you say I already know. Like all true fools I moved to the UK for love! My girlfriend got a great job in London and I struggled to find suitable work in the city, mainly because my work is suited towards manufacturing, not something London is known for! At the same time I was headhunted by a company in Southampton. I worked for their rival in Ireland and they offered a really good package to come and join them (the good salary is both a blessing, but also a curse when trying to find a new job!). We chose to live in Surrey as commute-wise it's near enough the half way point and a lot of our friends and family live in London. So for a year I've been driving 120 miles a day, 600 miles a week and the odometer has just clocked up close to 30000 miles in a year! My job is great and the work I do is very interesting, and I thought it might be possible to move closer, but that's not the case. So the search is on for a new job closer to home. I've decided to try for something in the Theme Park industry as I've nothing to lose really, and it might be possible living close to Thorpe, Chessington and Legoland as I do. But if that doesn't happen I'll be happy with something else, as long as it's closer to home.You're right, money is great, but lifestyle is better. Over 2 hours a day in the car and over £3000 a year in fuel costs is just not worth it anymore. Living close to work and having that few extra hours a day to relax is worth dropping some salary for. If I end up working in the Theme Park industry, doing something I love, then it's a happy bonus. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StevenVig Posted April 5, 2012 Report Share Posted April 5, 2012 www.chessingtonjobs.com just got a new look, one that coincides with its Main Website. Looking Good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jake C Posted January 13, 2013 Report Share Posted January 13, 2013 I just noticed I got my email through 6 days ago about me being accepted to the next process, are they still going to consider me even though I have replied 6 days late? Really worried now Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben1990 Posted January 13, 2013 Report Share Posted January 13, 2013 Don't worry, you'll be fine. As long as there are still available assessment centre slots available to book online then it won't matter, just follow the link in the email and confirm a date/time for your assessment centre Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jake C Posted January 16, 2013 Report Share Posted January 16, 2013 Thanks Ben, got my assessment centre on the 27th. I'm a little nervous but excited. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darkadder312 Posted June 30, 2013 Report Share Posted June 30, 2013 I got my assesment centre on 2nd july at 6pm Food & Beverage part time/full time hope I get it what is the assessment centre activities like? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swooddow Posted September 16, 2013 Report Share Posted September 16, 2013 anyone working as an actor at the hocus pocus halloween event this year ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lottie. Posted February 3, 2014 Report Share Posted February 3, 2014 EDIT: Just received an e-mail from HR, phone lines are apparently down today which is annoying but all has been resolved! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Furyishere Posted February 8, 2014 Report Share Posted February 8, 2014 Well I just applied to Chessington to be a games host. Hope I do better this time. Coaster 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Furyishere Posted February 10, 2014 Report Share Posted February 10, 2014 I got a interview on Thursday for games host at chessington. So excited. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lottie. Posted February 10, 2014 Report Share Posted February 10, 2014 Good luck! Furyishere 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lottie. Posted February 14, 2014 Report Share Posted February 14, 2014 Anybody either at Thorpe or Chessington had a ride operator interview? I've got one next week and don't have a clue what to expect! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Furyishere Posted February 14, 2014 Report Share Posted February 14, 2014 Wish I could help lottie but I have no clue. In other news I got the job at chessington world of adventure as games host. So happy. Inferno, Lottie., JamminGamer and 2 others 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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