Marriott International Maldives proudly announces the commencement of the second-year cohorts for its esteemed Marriott International Maldives Apprenticeship Program (MIMAP) with a grand ceremony held on June 5, 2024, at Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa. The inaugural ceremony was graced by the esteemed presence of His Excellency Mr. Hussain Mohamed Latheef, Vice President of the Republic of Maldives; Honorable Ibrahim Waheed, Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information, and Arts; Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific Excluding China, Marriott International; Neeraj Govil, Chief Operations Officer, Asia-Pacific Excluding China, Marriott International; and Mark Fletcher, Area Director of Human Resources, Singapore & Maldives, Marriott International.

The commencement ceremony highlights another momentous achievement for both Marriott International and the Maldivian government, following the resounding success of MIMAP's inaugural cohort graduation. The issuance of appointment letters to all 60 program participants officially welcomed these talented apprentices into the program. The event saw motivational speeches from the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information, and Arts, alongside Rajeev Menon, who expressed their excitement for the program and its potential to empower the youth of the Maldives.

In his address, the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information, and Arts, emphasized the pivotal role of Maldivian youth, comprising 43% of the population aged 18-35, stressing the duty to provide them with essential tools for success. He highlighted the National Apprenticeship Program (NAP) as more than an aspiration but a steadfast commitment to cultivating a skilled workforce, empowering youth to realize their dreams while mitigating unemployment. Additionally, he emphasized that the partnership with Marriott International transcends mere agreement, reaffirming a commitment to identify and nurture local talents for the Maldivian hospitality market.

MIMAP was launched as a pilot project on May 9, 2023, in partnership with NAP and implemented through the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Information, and Arts. It serves as a TakeCare initiative under Marriott International's Corporate Social Responsibility, providing a unique opportunity for apprentices to learn from diverse and skilled associates working across Marriott International Maldives resorts.

The 10-month program provides aspiring young apprentices in hospitality with a unique on-the-job training opportunity while undergoing comprehensive classroom training from industry experts. Participants will gain theoretical knowledge from MIT through the approved curriculum of Maldives Skill Development Authority (MNSDA) and hands-on experience across Marriott International's portfolio of 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 Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, and The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort. 

"Our People First culture drives everything we do at Marriott International; we are strong advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion. 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,” said Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific Excluding China (APEC), Marriott International. Emphasizing his enthusiasm for the program, he further commented, "The Marriott International Maldives Apprenticeship Program has already shown strong outcomes with an 86% retention rate. This program ensures equal opportunities for all."

In its first year, MIMAP witnessed the graduation of 43 cohorts, with 37 graduates now employed as full-time associates. Recently awarded the Training and Development Programme of the Year at the Hotelier Maldives Awards 2024, MIMAP serves as a testament to its success and impact in the industry. The launch of its second-year Apprenticeship Program reaffirms Marriott International Maldives' commitment to nurturing a sustainable pipeline of local talent, further bolstering the growth and prosperity of the country's tourism industry. As the first international hospitality brand to collaborate with the government apprenticeship program, Marriott International Maldives continues its commitment to nurturing young Maldivian talent and fostering growth within the hospitality industry.