Marriott International Maldives has announced that it will launch the second cohort of its acclaimed Marriott International Maldives Apprenticeship Program (MIMAP) with a grand ceremony on 5 June 2024 at the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa.
The opening ceremony was attended by Maldives Vice President Hussain Mohamed Ratheef, Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information and the Arts Ibrahim Waheed, Marriott International President Asia Pacific Ex-China Rajeev Menon, Marriott International Chief Operating Officer Asia Pacific Ex-China Neeraj Govil and Marriott International Regional Human Resources Director Singapore and Maldives Mark Fletcher.
The graduation ceremony highlighted another important achievement for Marriott International and the Government of the Maldives following the huge success of graduating MIMAP’s first cohort. All 60 program participants were issued appointment letters, officially welcoming the talented trainees into the program. During the ceremony, Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information and the Arts, H.E. Mr. Rajeev Menon, delivered an inspiring speech, sharing his expectations for the program and its potential to empower Maldivian youth.
In his speech, the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information and the Arts highlighted the vital role played by Maldivian youth, who make up 43% of the population aged between 18 and 35, and stressed the obligation to provide them with the tools essential to succeed. He highlighted the National Apprenticeship Programme (NAP) as not just an aspiration but a firm commitment to develop a skilled workforce and enable youth to realise their dreams whilst alleviating unemployment. He further emphasised that the partnership with Marriott International goes beyond a simple agreement and reaffirms the country’s commitment to identifying and nurturing local talent for the Maldives’ hospitality market.
MIMAP, in partnership with NAP, was launched as a pilot project on 9 May 2023 and implemented through the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Information and the Arts. It serves as Marriott International’s Corporate Social Responsibility-based TakeCare initiative, providing a unique opportunity for trainees to learn from a diverse and skilled workforce working across Marriott International Maldives resorts.
The 10-month program offers young hospitality apprentices a unique hands-on training opportunity while receiving comprehensive classroom training from industry experts. Participants will acquire theoretical knowledge from MIT through a curriculum approved by the Maldives Skills Development Authority (MNSDA) and gain hands-on experience at Marriott International’s portfolio of resorts in the Maldives, including The Ritz-Carlton Maldives Fari Island, 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.
“At Marriott International, a people-first culture drives everything we do. We are strong advocates of diversity, equity and inclusion. Our commitment to these principles is demonstrated through this program, ensuring equal opportunities for all through access to training, skills development and employment in a range of roles in the tourism industry,” said Rajeev Menon, president, Asia Pacific ex China (APEC), Marriott International.
Highlighting his enthusiasm for the programme, he further commented: “The Marriott International Maldives training programme has already achieved impressive results with an 86% retention rate. The programme ensures equal opportunities for all.”
MIMAP produced 43 graduates in its first year, with 37 graduates currently working as full-time staff. Having recently won the Training and Development Programme of the Year award at the Hotelier Maldives Awards 2024, MIMAP is testament to its success and impact in the industry.
The launch of the second year of the training programme reaffirms Marriott International Maldives’ commitment to sustainable local talent development, further promoting the growth and prosperity of the country’s tourism industry. As the first international hospitality brand to collaborate with a government training programme, Marriott International Maldives continues its efforts to nurture Maldives’ young talent and drive the growth of the hospitality industry.
