Marriott International in the Maldives hosted a graduation ceremony on April 19, 2025 at Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, celebrating the achievements of 31 apprentices from the second cohort of the Marriott International Maldives Apprenticeship Program. The event was graced by the esteemed Honorable Ibrahim Waheed, Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts, along with distinguished guests from the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts and the Maldives Institute of Technology (MIT). Also in attendance was Mark Fletcher, Area Director of Human Resources, Singapore & Maldives, Marriott International.

The program, created in partnership with the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Community Empowerment and MIT, guided apprentices through a comprehensive 10-month curriculum with training across front office, culinary, food & beverage, and housekeeping. As the first international hospitality brand to collaborate with the government apprenticeship program, Marriott International reinforces its ongoing commitment to nurture Maldivian youth and developing the next generation of hospitality leaders.

Apprentices undertook the theoretical component of the curriculum at MIT, followed by practical experience across various disciplines at Marriott International's portfolio of resorts in the Maldives, including The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa, W Maldives, Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, and The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort.

Guided by J. Willard Marriott’s founding philosophy of “We Put People First,” Marriott International remains committed to cultivating a people first culture–one that prioritizes associates’ growth and success. The apprenticeship program was designed to empower and develop local talents by equipping them with the practical skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the Maldives’ growing hospitality industry. All graduates were awarded Level-3 certification, approved by the Maldives Qualification Authority (MQA). This certification signifies their successful completion of both theoretical and practical training modules, providing them with a comprehensive understanding of core departmental operations.

The Honorable Ibrahim Waheed commended the program for its meaningful role in shaping the future of Maldivian youth within the tourism industry. “Today, we celebrate 31 apprenticeship graduates. These are 31 futures redefined—each a testament to what happens when opportunity meets action,” he said. “To our apprentices, you step forward as ambassadors of possibility. And to Marriott International, thank you for not just supporting this program, but for championing it—your commitment to mentorship and local capacity building is truly admirable.”

“When we launched this program in 2023, it was envisioned as a pilot, a leap of faith, grounded in belief. A belief in crafting talents of Maldivian youth, belief in the strength and collaboration, and belief in Marriott’s commitment to “take care” – not just our people but the communities where we serve,” commented Mark Fletcher, Area Director of Human Resources for Singapore & Maldives at Marriott International. “What began as an initiative is now a movement, and Marriott International is proud to be the first international hospitality brand to officially launch such apprenticeship program in the Maldives.”

The graduation ceremony marks a pivotal step in establishing a robust pipeline of local talent in the Maldives, which will significantly contribute to the growth and sustainability of the Maldives' tourism industry. Marriott International looks forward to seeing the continued success and development of its graduates as they embark on promising careers in the hospitality sector.