Staff from Blackpool and The Fylde College and The Blackpool Tower joined together to recognise the long relationship between the two organisations as part of the College’s 125-year celebrations.
Former B&FC students who work at Merlin Entertainment’s Blackpool cluster of attractions, including the Tower, Sealife Centre and Madam Tussauds, attended an event with College teaching staff at the top of the Tower, where they mingled and enjoyed the iconic views.
A special edition of The Blackpool Tower Eye guide was produced to mark the occasion, highlighting the College’s history and featuring B&FC campus’ across the Fylde Coast.
B&FC Principal Bev Robinson closed proceedings by lighting up the Tower in the College’s colours as a symbolic celebration of the partnership between the two organisations.
Andy Iredale, Director of Customer Engagement at B&FC, said: “B&FC is proud of its relationships with national and local businesses across a wide range of sectors, none more so than our long involvement with the resort’s tourism industry.
“The Tower is the most iconic of Blackpool’s many attractions and has been a magnet for visitors since it was completed in 1894 – two years after the College first began operating in Fleetwood.
“Since being taken over by Merlin Entertainments, the Tower has cemented its position as a leading UK attraction and reflects the quality offered by leading entertainment companies around the world.
“It was a pleasure to see so many Merlin employees at the event who began their journeys at Blackpool and The Fylde College and shows our close links with our industry partners.”
The reception was staffed by current Blackpool and The Fylde College hospitality students who gained invaluable experience working at a high-quality event.
More than 1,800 businesses locally, regionally and nationally chose B&FC to deliver education and training programmes for their staff. The College co-creates many of its programmes with industry partners to provide viable training to produce a career-ready workforce.
The College is planning to further build on its relationship with Merlin Entertainments as part of its 125 legacy – to ensure B&FC students are able to make the most of opportunities with a sector-leading organisation.
