Gaining work at Legoland

I was made redundant after many years working for Waitrose & Partners. Over the years I had also worked as a DJ compere host and entertainer, in late 2021 I worked temporarily in the magic of LaplandUK a festive-theme park in Ascot, taking on a seasonal character role supporting 'Father Christmas' during his busy season.

As 2022 dawned I found myself unemployed again and suffering from depression following a family break up. I received an email from Abri’s Employment Services promoting their forthcoming Abri Work Academy that they were organising in partnership with Legoland to prepare people for roles in their theme park. It felt to me like the team were reaching out to me at the point I needed it most and I registered my interest.

I was very nervous about the online training sessions as this was all new to me. However, from that first session I was reassured, welcomed and enjoyed it. The other participants and all Abri’s Employment Services were so friendly. I then completed a short online course and took part in a session about how to present myself in the best possible light at an interview and I found these useful and informative.

I was also able to practice my interview skills and to take part in a series of mock interviews. At the same time the team reviewed and updated my CV for me in preparation for my application to Legoland. Although I had interviewed for jobs previously, the sessions enabled me to feel fully prepared and confident.

I applied for several roles at Legoland and was delighted to be offered an interview for a post as an Entertainment Host. When I went into the interview I felt calm and peaceful following all the preparation I had done with George, and Amanda in the mock interviews. I was able to put everything I had learnt into practice and was delighted to be offered the role.

At my interview I had talked about my experience as an entertainer and consequently I was invited to interview for a character role at Legoland. I was very excited but when I got to the interview I realised they were looking for people who could sing and dance which are not my strong points.

Nevertheless, I was delighted with my main role and started my inductions and training as an Entertainment Host in January 2022. Now I look forward to going to work and love my job. I have a uniform and anything extra is available from the wardrobe department as I accompany the characters in the theme park and greet visitors to ensure they have an awesome day out with lots of happy memories. I get on really well with my team and enjoy my role at Legoland.

Since I have started, I’ve been awarded two stars in recognition of my work which has given me a real boost as well.

With the Legoland season fading out in November, I am able to keep my Christmas work at LaplandUK again which is fantastic and will fit perfectly with my current roles.

Working at Legoland has enabled me to have a more positive outlook. I love my work, I love my team which are like a family and I now feel more spritely than previously. I think the service that Abri’s Employment Services provide is brilliant and came at exactly the right time for me. I've gained a lot through this journey including the great training I received where I have enjoyed the whole experience.

Our Abri Work Academies see us working in partnership with employers across a range of sectors to deliver training tailored for them. It makes sure that people have the skills, values and behaviours that employers require. To date, all of the employers that have engaged with us have asked for more AWAs and we’ve filled over 90% of the positions offered to us.

For this Legoland AWA, we had 32 people enrolled, 20 customers engaged in training, five jobs confirmed and more interviews coming up. One participant with a background in HR who had previously applied for a senior management role with Legoland but whose application was turned down, was offered an interview for the position following their engagement with us.

Some of the customers decided that the opportunity wasn’t for them. But we’re pleased to say they’re now engaged and being supported by our Abri Employment Service to explore other options.