Recruitment day to fill 150 roles at Kettering park this summer

The Kettering park is looking for about 150 full and part-time staff at the event, which is being held in its Pavilion from 10am to 3pm on Saturday, February 20.

Following the selection process, all recruits will be given full training before the park’s rides and attractions officially open for the season on Friday, March 25.

Many of those who fill the temporary jobs each year are students and some will do three or four years in a row or stay and become full members of staff.

Some of the most senior employees at the park even began their careers in part-time or seasonal roles.

The park also encourages older, more experienced applicants.

Wicksteed Park was created by founder Charles Wicksteed as part of his vision to inspire and encourage play and outdoor exercise as part of families’ health and well-being.

It is currently planning a new £4.5million restoration and rejuvenation project which involves a bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund for £2.5million.

This comes a year after the completion of a successful Heritage Lottery Fund-backed £3million project that has restored the park’s lake to its former glory.

For 2016 the park has enhanced the RUSH activity tower to include an Air Bag Jump so people can pretend to be a movie stunt man or woman, plunging through the air with only a large inflatable bag to break your fall.

Also new this year will be a Sky Walk, a 90-metre enclosed treetop walkway of activities and obstacles suitable for adults and children.

There will also be a circular maze, made using 6ft tall natural fencing, a new garden by the aviary and an underground tunnel experience.

There will also be a small farmyard experience including goats and sheep to start with and which will be expanded over the year.

Wicksteed Park’s managing director Alasdair McNee said: “While the gates are open all year round for people to enjoy the playground and the park grounds, the rides and attractions only open for half the year, starting in spring, which is why we need to recruit extra staff at this time of year.

“We have lots of changes and developments going on at the park this year so this is a great chance to join the Wicksteed Park family at a very exciting time, gain valuable experience and possibly take the first steps towards a career in the leisure industry.

“Some of those who attend the recruitment day may be asked to take part in a formal interview and we would ask all of those who attend to dress to impress.”

Anyone wishing to apply for jobs at the park is asked to download an application form from the park’s website at www.wicksteedpark.org/careers, complete it and bring it with them on the day.