SHANGHAI, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- Shanghai Disney Resort announced Friday it will launch a talent training program in Chinese universities and colleges in 2017.
The Shanghai Disney Resort Talent Training Program aims to help develop talent and attract passionate young people to work at Shanghai Disney Resort after graduation. It also aims to elevate tourism education and service standards by teaching Disney's best practices and setting up internships with partner schools.
"We are committed to partnering with local authorities and educational institutions to support the further development of Shanghai and the Yangtze River Delta's service industry through talent education and cultivation, leveraging the best Disney practices and resources from around the world," said Philippe Gas, general manager of Shanghai Disney Resort.
The first group of schools to sign the cooperation agreement with Shanghai Disney Resort include Shanghai Polytechnic University, Shanghai Sanda University, Shanghai Jianqiao University, Zhengzhou Tourism College, Tourism College of Zhejiang and Rizhao Polytechnic.
"Shanghai Polytechnic University has collaborated with Shanghai Disney Resort since 2014. I believe by working with Disney, we can help enhance our vocational education and benefit the entire local tourism industry," said Yu Tao, president of Shanghai Polytechnic University.
Gas said the resort has hired over 10,000 performers from Shanghai and across China.
"The resort has already generated thousands of direct and indirect jobs for tourism and cultural industry professionals, and this trend will continue as the resort continues to grow and expand," Gas said.