Marriott International proudly announces the launch of the third cohort of its Marriott International Maldives Apprenticeship Program (MIMAP), marked by a commencement ceremony held on July 13, 2025, at Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa.

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The ceremony welcomed 73 apprentices into the 10-month program and was graced by the presence of Honorable Mohamed Aseel, Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information, and Arts; Adam Haleem, Program Director, Maldives Institute of Technology (MIT); Gautam Bhandari, Senior Vice President, Hotel Development & Operations, Marriott International; Oriol Montal, Regional Vice President, Luxury, Asia Pacific excluding China (APEC), Marriott International; and Mark Fletcher, Senior Director, Human Resources Operations, Marriott International.

The event featured inspirational remarks from Honorable Mohamed Aseel, who reaffirmed the Ministry’s full support for MIMAP, describing it as a transformative platform that invests in the potential of Maldivian youth. He emphasized that the program exemplifies what can be achieved through strong collaboration between the government and the private sector. Rooted in experience-based learning, MIMAP equips apprentices with technical skills, mentorship, and nationally recognized certification—building both capability and confidence. He concluded by urging the apprentices to approach this opportunity with purpose and determination, highlighting the program’s alignment with national goals to reduce youth unemployment, cultivate a skilled workforce, and empower every young Maldivian to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s progress and global competitiveness.

“Through our collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts, National Apprenticeship Program and MIT, MIMAP has grown to become a national model of development and empowerment,” said Oriol Montal, Regional Vice President, Luxury, APEC, Marriott International. “This year, we are onboarding 73 apprentices, the highest number to date, showcasing the program’s strength as a robust talent feeder. We are grateful to our partners for believing in this initiative and for your commitment to delivering meaningful learning that bridges theory with real-world hospitality. To our new apprentices, embrace this journey—as future professionals and future leaders.”

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Representing the third cohort, Ahmed Maaris Rasheed shared, “It is truly an honor to stand here today, representing a group of young Maldivians ready to grow, learn, and contribute. This program is a gateway to new beginnings and real opportunities. On behalf of the 2025 apprentice cohort, thank you for believing in us and for giving us the chance to dream bigger.”

MIMAP was first launched as a pilot project on May 9, 2023, in partnership with the National Apprenticeship Program and implemented through the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Information, and Arts. As part of Marriott International’s TakeCare initiative under its global Corporate Social Responsibility efforts, the program offers young Maldivians valuable exposure to the hospitality industry by learning from experienced associates across Marriott International’s portfolio of resorts in the Maldives.

The 10-month apprenticeship combines structured, on-the-job training with classroom-based instruction delivered by MIT. Participants follow a curriculum accredited by the Maldives National Skills Development Authority and work toward a Maldives Qualification Authority Level 3 certification. Apprentices gain hands-on experience across participating resorts, including The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands; The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort; JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa; JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort; W Maldives; Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa; The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort; and Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa.

Over the past two years, MIMAP has seen the successful graduation of 74 apprentices, with 16 alumni now employed as full-time associates across Marriott resorts in the Maldives. The launch of the third cohort reaffirms Marriott International Maldives’ ongoing commitment to building a sustainable talent pipeline and supporting the long-term growth of the country’s tourism sector. As the first international hospitality brand to partner with the government on a national apprenticeship program, Marriott continues to champion the empowerment of young Maldivians and shape the future of hospitality in the Maldives.

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