Pico Play, a global leader in the planning, design, development and construction of world-class themed attractions and entertainment, is showcasing the philosophy that work can be fun with its latest interns during their three-month, paid work placement.
The 14 second-year university students from Malaysia who began their internships with the international amusement companies in August are learning, with improved self-confidence and teamwork abilities, how their knowledge and talents may be put into effect after graduation.
Pico Play, which has an increasing number of international projects, is the world leader in the planning, designing, creating, and building of top-notch themed attractions and entertainment.
It presently manages fifteen projects across seven nations, working on some of the most thrilling and enjoyable water and surf parks, theme parks, zoos, aquariums, wildlife parks, and family entertainment facilities in the world.
The most recent intern batch is being offered a unique opportunity for practical learning at Gamuda Cove’s SplashMania project near Kuala Lumpur, which when it opens in 2023, will be Asia’s largest water park with a rainforest theme.
To locate the top candidates for its internship programme, Pico Play has worked with educational institutions in five other countries in addition to Australia, including Study Gold Coast’s Employability Program.
From intern to full-time
The firm has previously accepted 24 interns, including engineering students from the University of Queensland, business and event management students from Southern Cross University, interactive media and design students from Bond University and civil engineering students from Site Institute Brisbane.
Declan Dempsey, a final-year commerce student at Monash University, worked with the business development team on fascinating projects like website creation, digital marketing campaigns, and research projects before landing a paid job as a result of his internship.
Both the work experience and the job placement, according to Dempsey, were enjoyable ways for him to put his academic knowledge into effect.
Many interns throughout the previous six years, according to Pico Play Senior Project Manager Josh Madrers, were given full-time jobs, including the organization’s first intern, Griffith University graduate Bryce Clarke, who is still employed by Pico Play as an attraction designer.
“Our fast-paced, inclusive and exciting company culture attracts passionate, visionary thinkers who are team players,” says Madrers.
“Our interns have started roles in many relevant business units, including attraction designers, business development coordinators, project designers, quality surveyors and marketing executives.
“The latest Pico Play interns are a very eager team of individuals and we have enjoyed playing a role in shaping their careers and helping them learn new skills to broaden their horizons.
Learning in teams
The large-scale cooperation that goes into the day-to-day operation of a huge theming project is seen directly by the construction interns, as well as how onsite project management functions.
“They are learning about counting staff and materials and managing work areas and all the documents that need to be sent to the principal contractor,” Madrers says. “These interns get to tap into the knowledge and be mentored by a range of qualified professionals who help us bring these innovative designs to life.”
Pico Play’s art director Syafiq is managing the artistic students who, he says, are realising there are many more career opportunities for them ahead: “Our design team likes to dream, so our interns have the opportunity to dream big too through the daily brainstorming meetings.”
“Most of the interns are doing fine art degrees and we are giving them an opportunity to see a new working environment that they may not have even considered. They come to Pico Play to learn, observe the working process and practise what they have learned with our talented artists and the most impressive will be offered full-time work.
“The best thing about working at Pico Play is that it’s so much fun. It’s a good-vibes working environment with a supportive team and lots of smiles, which means less stress and more excitement.”
Earlier this year Pico Play celebrated a major award win in the Gold Coast Business Excellence Awards.
