Four Seasons Maldives Apprenticeship Program Celebrates 2024 Graduates
Monday 24th of June 2024
Last Saturday The Maldives National University Auditorium in Male was the site of celebration as 49 young Maldivians graduated from the Four Seasons Resorts Maldives Hospitality Apprenticeship program. This program, accredited by the Government of Maldives and now in its twenty-third year, has become the longest-running and most successful of its kind in the Indian Ocean, offering new opportunities and expanded horizons for 858 youngsters since its inception in 2001.
The ceremony was graced by the Honorable Minister of State for Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development, His Excellency Ahmed Shafeeu, who served as the Chief Guest of Honour. In addition to celebrating this year’s graduates in various fields such as Food & Beverage, Housekeeping & Guest Services, Retail, Front Office, Maritime Transport, Engineering, Diving, and Watersports, he also welcomed the 2025 intake of 73 new apprentices. These new apprentices were selected from 229 applicants from 34 islands across 15 atolls, and they are set to embark on a challenging and rewarding year-long journey that combines rigorous training in their chosen discipline with a deep immersion in the hospitality traditions of the Four Seasons family. Furthermore, twelve graduates from the class of 2024 will return to Four Seasons for either a second or third year of training in Front Office and Engineering.
The success of the Four Seasons Resorts Maldives Hospitality Apprenticeship program is attributed not only to its robust syllabus of technical skills but also to its unique teaching methodology. The program emphasizes on-the-job learning, guided by professionals with extensive international experience in luxury hospitality, diving, and marine industries. This hands-on training aims to build resilience and character while instilling a strong sense of professionalism, discipline, teamwork, and perseverance in the apprentices.
This year’s graduates include the first two individuals from the recently launched Resort Photography course, which was developed in cooperation with Malé-based Digital Studio. As the program continues to evolve, Four Seasons Resorts Maldives has announced a new agreement with French training technology company 360 Learning. This collaboration will create digital content, improve the student management system, and foster a more collaborative and experiential approach to learning, with the first digital modules to be rolled out later this year.
The 2023 Apprenticeship also saw the launch of a student exchange program with the Republic of Palau, agreed upon between the two island nations in 2022. Currently, 17 young Maldivians are in Palau experiencing an incredible life adventure, with a second group set to join them in the Micronesian nation soon. Additionally, three Palauan apprentices are pursuing the program in the Maldives and are expected to graduate in January 2025.
The Four Seasons Resorts Maldives Hospitality Apprenticeship is open to young Maldivians aged 17-20. No previous work experience is required, but applicants must have O-level certifications and be fluent in written and spoken English. Training takes place five days a week, with apprentices living and working onsite in the beautiful surroundings of Four Seasons Resorts Maldives at Kuda Huraa and Landaa Giraavaru.
“While enrolled in the programme, students acquire a wide range of technical skills and knowledge and develop a respect for discipline, accountability, and professionalism as well as a wide range of life skills - the ability to connect with people, to speak and act truthfully and responsibly, to receive and accept feedback, to deliver on agreements and promises,” comments Mr. Armando Kraenzlin, Regional Vice-President and General Manager at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru.
"I want to take this opportunity to congratulate the 49 students of the graduating Class of 2024," Kraenzlin added. "You’ve shown ambition, energy, and the motivation to make something of yourself and of your talents. To next year’s class, the Class of 2025, we extend a very warm welcome to Four Seasons – and to the Maldives Tourism Industry."
This annual celebration underscores the commitment of Four Seasons Resorts Maldives to nurturing young talent and ensuring a bright future for the Maldivian hospitality industry. With its comprehensive training and unique opportunities, the apprenticeship program continues to pave the way for the next generation of hospitality professionals.