By On June 22, 2024, at the Maldives National University Auditorium in Male, 49 young Maldivians shone as proud graduates of the Four Seasons Resorts Maldives Hospitality Apprenticeship program. Accredited by the Government of Maldives, the program is now in its twenty-third year. The longest-running and most successful in the Indian Ocean, it has offered new opportunities and expanded horizons for 858 youngsters since its inception in 2001.
The Honorable Minister of State for Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development, Government of Maldives, His Excellency Ahmed Shafeeu, graced the ceremony as the Chief Guest of Honour. In addition to celebrating this year’s graduates in Food & Beverage, Housekeeping & Guest Services, Retail, Front Office, Maritime Transport, Engineering, Diving, and Watersports, he also welcomed 2025’s intake of 73 new apprentices – selected from 229 applicants from 34 islands across 15 atolls. These hopefuls will embark on a challenging and rewarding year-long journey combining rigorous training in their chosen discipline with a deep immersion in the hospitality traditions of the Four Seasons family. Twelve graduates from the class of 2024 will also return to Four Seasons for either a second or third year of training in Front Office and Engineering.
Excellence Through Immersive Training The success of the Four Seasons Resorts Maldives Hospitality Apprenticeship program is not only down to what is taught – a robust syllabus of technical skills – but also how it is taught. At its core, the program is about on-the-job learning, guided by professionals with extensive international experience in luxury hospitality as well as diving and the marine industries. The hands-on training aims to build resilience and character and instil a strong sense of professionalism, discipline, teamwork, and perseverance.
What’s New the Graduating Class of 2024 includes the first two graduates of the recently launched Resort Photography course in cooperation with Malé-based Digital Studio. In addition, as the Hospitality Apprenticeship continues to evolve, Four Seasons Resorts Maldives announced a new agreement with French training technology company, 360 Learning, for the creation of digital content, an improved student management system, and 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, which was agreed between the two island nations in 2022: 17 young Maldivians are currently in Palau on an incredible life adventure, with a second group on the way to the Micronesian nation in the next couple of months. Three Palauan apprentices are currently pursuing the Apprenticeship in the Maldives and will graduate in January 2025.
Unlocking Opportunities for Young Talent Four Seasons Resorts Maldives Hospitality Apprenticeship is open to young Maldivians aged 17-20. No previous work experience is required, but the youngsters 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.
“Whilst 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… 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.”