The Shanghai Disney Resort Talent Class was launched in multiple universities and colleges in Shanghai and its surrounding regions on Jan 6, signalling a move by the brand to bolster the development of the tourism service industry in China through comprehensive talent training.

Apart from talent development, the program also aims to attract talent to join the Shanghai Disney Resort following the completion of their studies. The curriculum will comprise Disney's best practices as well as internship stints at the resort.

The launch was marked by a signing ceremony between the resort and Shanghai Second Polytechnic University (SSPU), one of the participating universities, and was witnessed by the leadership from the Shanghai Municipal Education Commission, Shanghai Disney Resort and SSPU.

The first batch of schools that have signed the cooperation agreement with Shanghai Disney Resort includes SSPU, Shanghai Sanda University, Shanghai Jianqiao University, Zhengzhou Tourism College, Tourism College of Zhejiang and Rizhao Polytechnic.

"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," said Philippe Gas, general manager of Shanghai Disney Resort.

"Along the way, we are also 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."

The Shanghai Disney Resort also reiterated that it is committed to operating a world-class resort destination and delivering exceptional guest service, with its Cast Members - the term Disney uses to refer to its employees - being at the core of this promise.

The resort has already hired more than 10,000 Cast Members from China. In November 2016, the resort announced its first post-opening expansion, breaking ground on a new themed land at Shanghai Disneyland which will generate even more jobs for local tourism talent.

"We have recruited a team of talented, passionate and committed Cast Members. Disney provides a range of training programs to help our Cast deliver the best in Disney service to our guests in China while also supporting their own professional development and career aspirations," said Lara Tiam, Vice President of Human Resources for Shanghai Disney Resort.