HUNDREDS of jobless youngsters will get the chance to start their careers at Britain’s biggest theme parks under a new jobs drive.
Merlin Entertainments will create 300 opportunities over the next three years for young people claiming Universal Credit.
The jobs will be based at attractions including Alton Towers, Thorpe Park, Chessington World of Adventures and Legoland Windsor.
Young recruits could find themselves working on everything from rollercoaster engineering and ride maintenance to retail, hospitality and guest services.
The move is part of the Government’s Youth Guarantee, aimed at helping more young people into work or training.
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said: “Every young person deserves the chance to earn or learn, and we’re supporting great British employers to back our young people, and put them on track for success.
“Merlin Entertainment are doing just that, with hundreds of opportunities at their attractions across the country – providing the launchpad for young people to get their careers off to a flying start.”
Merlin boss Fiona Eastwood said: “This is a practical, positive step that helps businesses like Merlin invest in young people with confidence while giving them the skills, experience and support to grow and progress.”
A million young people in Britain are now classed as NEET — not in education, employment or training.
Damning figures reveal the youth jobs crisis is deepening, with warnings that a “lost generation” could reach 1.25million within five years unless urgent action is taken.
The latest data from the Office for National Statistics shows 1,012,000 people aged 16 to 24 were NEET in the first three months of 2026.
That is up 89,000 on the same period last year and up 55,000 on the previous quarter.
It means 13.5% of all young people in the UK — roughly one in eight — are currently locked out of work, education and training.
Young men are bearing the brunt of the crisis.
