Two interns from the first intake of students on a joint programme between Gulliver’s World, Bridge College and DFN Project Search have secured jobs at the Warrington theme park.
The Supported Internship Programme was launched in September 2025, with Noah Clowes and Rana Jamal part of the initial group and now celebrating earning themselves permanent positions at the resort.
The initiative, which is about to welcome its second cohort of interns, is aimed at bridging the gap between education and paid work, supporting young people aged 16-24 from Manchester, Warrington and Cheshire with additional needs and who have an Educational Health Care and Plan (EHCP) in place.
The internships at family-owned Gulliver’s World offer the opportunity to develop individual skills in various areas of the park, including retail and stores, catering, rides, park care, hotel, upkeep and grounds.
For Noah, a rollercoaster enthusiast, his job as a ride operator is something he has had his heart set on for some time.
Noah, 19 from Salford said: “As interns, we did a range of jobs, including cleaning ride operation, litter picking, painting, sweeping leaves, helping in shops. Working in the grotto – all sorts around the park to add that little bit of extra help. To now have a job as a ride operator, it’s a dream come true. Thank you to everyone involved with the internship programme for their help and support over the last year.”
Rana Jamal, 21, from Manchester, works in the theme park’s stores area. He said: “It’s a huge opportunity for me, I have learnt lots of different skills, gained lots of knowledge and made lots of friends. It can be hard work sometimes, but I love the environment and team that I’m working with. If I do struggle or need help, they are there to support me. I am so grateful to the Gulliver’s team, especially Mel and Jemma from Bridge College, their support, dedication, encouragement and commitment have been amazing.”
Melanie Burrows-Carr, group talent, training and people manager at Gulliver’s World in Warrington, said: “After months of hard work, determination, training, assessments and observations, we are proud of how far Noah and Jamal have come and what they have achieved. Their new roles within the Gulliver’s team are a reward for all their efforts.
“Every morning, Noah attends his team briefing and finds out which ride he’ll be operating that day, puts on his uniform with pride, and gets to work doing a job he absolutely loves. Noah was nonverbal when he started this programme and his confidence has gone from strength to strength. He felt nobody was going to give him a chance of work because of his initial struggles, but he says that it’s the best thing he has ever done.”
“Jamal says that previously he has not always been given the correct opportunities but at Gulliver’s he has and he feels very much part of the family. Every day is different, exciting and busy and it has been a life changing experience for him.”
The internship programme is delivered by Bridge College and has already been recognised as Employment Provider of the Year at this year’s DFN Project Search Awards.
Jemma Golden, supported internship lead at Bridge College, said: “Every so often, a moment comes along that reminds me exactly why Supported Internships change lives… and this is one of those moments. Noah and Jamal’s commitment, resilience, positivity and determination have been inspiring to watch, and they have shown exactly what can happen when someone is given the opportunity to shine.”
Bridge College, run by the charity Together Trust, offers specialist education for students aged 16 to 25 with learning difficulties, disabilities, complex health needs and autism, providing personalised support, tailored learning and hands-on life skills to give young people the confidence to exceed their aspirations.
DFN Project SEARCH is a national charity that enables young adults who have a learning disability or autism spectrum condition to secure meaningful permanent employment.
For more details about the internship programme, visit: togethertrust.org.uk/schools/supported-internships
To find out more about the theme park, visit: www.gulliversworldresort.co.uk
