Festive cheer for Gulliver’s manager with apprenticeship success

Rachael Lyon, 33, originally from Wigan, started working at Gulliver’s Valley in 2020 as a supervisor when it first opened its doors, after completing Gulliver’s renowned trainee management programme in Warrington.

Rachael then embarked on a three-year degree apprenticeship with Sheffield Hallam University, combining classroom learning with on-the-job experience at Gulliver’s Valley while studying for a university degree in chartered management.

Rachael has now graduated from the programme, putting her enhanced skills into action as Building Manager at the South Yorkshire theme park resort.

Developing both practical and theoretical skills, the degree apprenticeship scheme allows Gulliver’s Valley staff member access to regular study sessions and a work-based learning coach.

The apprenticeship also gives participants the opportunity to put their learnings into practice at the park, in areas such as sales and marketing and management techniques.

Rachael, said: “I had never wanted to go to university but this was a fantastic opportunity for me to gain a degree while working in the theme park environment, which I love. No two days are ever the same, it’s particularly great to see our young customers’ faces light up when they visit and to soak up the atmosphere when the park is full, especially at this time of year when the resort is packed with festive magic.

“We are a very close-knit team at Gulliver’s so throughout the apprenticeship I was able to talk to the management team about what I was learning at university and how it applies within the business.

“I was also able to put my learnings into action in the park environment and take my real-world experience back to the classroom to discuss, too.

“Completing the degree apprenticeship in the park’s fifth birthday year is very special and I’m excited to see what the future holds as I continue to develop in my management role.”

Gulliver’s Valley resort, aimed at children between the ages of two and 13-years-old, has more than 50 rides, attractions, shows and activities – from the Apache Falls ride to the Ghostly Galleon pirate ship, a mini-zoo and a Lost Jurassic World area with animatronic dinosaurs.

Over the last five years the park has expanded to add a number of new rides and areas, including ‘Gulliver’s Gears’ which opened in 2021 with the Grand Prix Racer rollercoaster and a range of classic cars on display, plus two new rides for 2025 - the Turbo Tower and Crazy Planes.

A new mini rollercoaster called ‘The Wriggler’ was also unveiled at Gulliver’s Valley in 2023 and, in 2025, Mayfield Animal Park relocated to the site as ‘Valley Wildlife’, bringing its popular animal experiences to the resort.

For more information about career opportunities at Gulliver's Theme Park Resorts, visit: www.careers.gulliversfun.co.uk