Automation Technician Practicum Program 2025

Program Overview: 

At Carnival Entertainment, our Automation Technician Practicum Program offers students the unique opportunity to work at our state-of-the-art Carnival Studio’s and onboard one of Carnival Cruise Line’s 27 ships. This studio-based 12-week practicum creates the foundation for the 6-month onboard contract and provides students an exciting insider’s view of the entertainment department of the world’s most popular cruise line.  As part of the practicum program, participants will work directly with the Entertainment Technical Manager (ETM) to create a fun and entertaining environment for our guests while developing teamwork, communication, problem-solving and leadership skills.  To intern within the Automation Technician role is to enter a world of self-discovery, excitement and fun, where every day is a different adventure.

10-12 Month Program Format:

12-week hybrid (in studio and onboard); 4 weeks off followed by a full 6 month contract onboard

Program Requirements:

• Be currently enrolled and attending an accredited college/university
• Have a minimum cumulative 3.0 cumulative GPA out of a 4.0 scale
• Be a graduating senior (earning academic credit preferred)
• Be at least 21 years of age or older by the start of the program
• Be able to obtain a valid USA passport by the practicum offer date
• Be able to commit to the full-term dates of the program, including the full 6-8-month contract (10-12 month commitment)
• Pass all of Carnival Cruise Line’s pre-employment background and medical and dental requirements
• Educational background and/or entry-level Industry work experience preferably including a background in theater
• Familiar with industry terms, standards, rules, regulations and common practices of back-stage operations, fly-systems, safe rigging practices and basic schematics

Program Benefits:

• Paid practicum, fixed monthly salary, paid bi-weekly (weeks between studio training and 6 month contract not paid)
• Room and board included at no additional cost to the student (at studio and onboard)
• All travel expenses from and to your nearest major airport are covered by Carnival Cruise Line (CCL)
• Cost of the Seafarer's Fitness Medical Examination (SFME) and background screening will be covered by CCL
• Professional and personal development opportunities offered at Carnival Studios and through the crew training center onboard
• Training of both TAIT Navigator and Mechatronics platforms

Program Responsibilities: 

As part of "The Most Popular Cruise Line in the World," there are certain responsibilities that must be upheld to allow our team members to live and work in a safe, healthy and enjoyable environment.

• Safety: Maintaining a safe environment shipboard is every team member's number one responsibility. Including safety courses taught on-board such as life boat drills, vessel familiarization, crowd and crisis management.
• Ship-life: While on the ship, you live where you work. You have to be willing to work long hours of varying shifts, 7 days a week, for the duration of the internship.
• Personal Responsibility: To live by the highest of personal standards of courtesy and self-discipline while maintaining a strong work ethic.