Marriott International Maldives Launches Second Year of Apprenticeship Programme
Sunday 9th of June 2024
Marriott International Maldives has proudly announced the commencement of the second-year cohorts for its prestigious Marriott International Maldives Apprenticeship Programme (MIMAP). A grand ceremony held on June 5, 2024, at Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa marked this significant milestone.
A Grand Beginning
The event was graced by distinguished guests, including Vice President of Maldives Hussain Mohamed Latheef, Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information, and Arts Ibrahim Waheed, President of Marriott International Asia Pacific (excluding China) Rajeev Menon, Chief Operations Officer Asia-Pacific (excluding China) Neeraj Govil, and Area Director of Human Resources for Singapore & Maldives Mark Fletcher.
Empowering the Youth
The ceremony celebrated the issuance of appointment letters to all 60 program participants, officially welcoming them into the apprenticeship program. The event featured motivational speeches from Minister Waheed and Rajeev Menon, who both expressed their enthusiasm for the program and its potential to empower Maldivian youth.
Minister Waheed highlighted the importance of equipping the nation’s youth, who make up 43% of the population aged 18-35, with essential tools for success. He emphasized the National Apprenticeship Programme (NAP) as a commitment to developing a skilled workforce, reducing unemployment, and helping youth achieve their dreams. He praised the partnership with Marriott International for its dedication to nurturing local talent for the Maldivian hospitality market.
MIMAP: A Successful Initiative
Launched as a pilot project on May 9, 2023, in partnership with NAP and implemented through the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Information, and Arts, MIMAP is a key part of Marriott International’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, TakeCare. It offers apprentices a unique opportunity to learn from diverse and skilled associates across Marriott International Maldives resorts.
The 10-month program combines on-the-job training with comprehensive classroom education from industry experts. Participants receive theoretical knowledge from MIT through the Maldives Skill Development Authority (MNSDA) curriculum and practical experience at Marriott International’s portfolio of resorts, 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.
Commitment to Excellence
“Our People First culture drives everything we do at Marriott International. We are strong advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion,” said Rajeev Menon. “Our commitment to these principles is demonstrated by this program, which ensures equal opportunities for all through access to training, skill development, and employment across various roles within the tourism industry.”
Menon highlighted the program’s success, noting an 86% retention rate and the strong outcomes already achieved. In its first year, MIMAP saw the graduation of 43 participants, with 37 now employed as full-time associates. The program’s excellence was recently recognized with the Training and Development Programme of the Year award at the Hotelier Maldives Awards 2024.
A Bright Future
The launch of the second-year apprenticeship programme underscores Marriott International Maldives’ dedication to fostering a sustainable pipeline of local talent, vital for the growth and prosperity of the country’s tourism industry. As the first international hospitality brand to collaborate with the government apprenticeship programme, Marriott International Maldives continues to set the standard for nurturing young talent in the hospitality sector.
For more information on the Marriott International Maldives Apprenticeship Programme or to learn about the application process, please visit Marriott International Maldives or contact the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa.