Marriott International Maldives has announced its first recruitment activity for the Apprenticeship Program, which is scheduled to take place in Addu City on April 8th and 9th, 2023. This initiative follows the Memorandum of Understanding ceremony between Marriott International Maldives, the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Community Empowerment, and the Maldives Institute of Technology (MIT), which aimed to provide young people with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the tourism industry and develop their skills. Marriott International is the largest hospitality chain in the world, and this apprenticeship program offers the possibility for participants to grow within the company.

The recruitment sessions will be held for two days in Hulhumeedhoo on April 8th at Seenu Atoll School from 10 AM to 3 PM, and in Hithadhoo on April 9th at Addu High School from 10 AM to 3 PM. The program will run for 10 months, during which the selected apprentices will work in their respective resort placements, gaining valuable practical experience, while theoretical sessions will be taught to fulfill the requirements of a Maldives Qualification Authority (MQA) approved level-III certificate. If the pilot program is successful, it can be extended to a second year, offering a Certificate-IV (Advanced Certificate) to the participating apprentices.

To apply, applicants must be over 16 years old and possess GCE Ordinary or Advance level qualifications. Good command of English communication and a passion for the hospitality industry are also essential, along with flexibility to work in different disciplines. The program will accommodate 50 participants in its first round, which is set to begin in early May.

Marriott International offers youth training opportunities at their portfolio of seven 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 Meridien Maldives Resort & Spa, and Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa. By collaborating with the government apprenticeship program, Marriott International is the first international hospitality brand to take part in such an initiative, which is a significant milestone for both the government and Marriott International in their efforts to build local talent for the hospitality market.