Four Seasons Resorts have trained over 700 people in Maldives under its apprenticeship program over the last 20 years.
First started in 2001, the Hospitality Apprenticeship Program has graduated 737 students in it's 21 year history. This year, 40 students graduated in a special ceremony held at Maldives National University's (MNU) Auditorium on Saturday.
First Lady Fazna Ahmed presented the certificates to the students that completed the apprenticeship.
A new batch of 65 students from 30 islands in Maldives were also inaugurated into the program yesterday.
Speaking at the ceremony, Four Seasons Resorts Maldives Regional Vice President, Armando Kraenzlin said the resort is pleased to have many helped the careers of many successful people currently working in the hospitality industry.
"Some of the participants of this program are now successful business owners. Developing people is the most important thing in this sector. Providing training to Maldivian youth in the sector is a way to further develop the Maldivian tourism sector," he said.
Four Seasons currently operate two resorts in Maldives; Landaa Giraavaru and Kuda Huraa. Director of People and Culture at Landaa Giraavaru Rajan Vishwanathan said students are taken for this apprenticeship after conducting interviews and identifying areas of interest. Then, they are assigned to mentors.
Vishwanathan noted that the apprenticeship program was held the past two years, even when they faced much difficulty due to the pandemic. This was a testament to the value Four Seasons places on this program, he said.
First Lady Fazna also congratulated the graduates for persevering through the program in such uncertain times.
"Working in a very difficult situation and achieving a good career is a valuable example for today's youth," Fazna said in a address to the graduates.
She spoke on the importance of life long learning and the being always open to new opportunities.
"We must always be among those who learn things in a sustainable manner. Always work towards inculcating life long learning among us," Fazna said.
The batch of 2022 had been trained in several fields such as Food and Beverage Services, Food and Beverage Preparation, Housekeeping, Front Office and Recreation, PADI Dive Master among them.
Maritime courses were also conducted for students who graduated this year.
The Four Seasons' programs was taken to a government-accepted level in 2010 and accredited. Applicants between the ages of 17 and 20 who have completed O Level and know how to speak Dhivehi and English will be able to participate in the program.
Recruitment for the program is conducted in collaboration with island councils. Four Seasons said they get over 50 applicants from some of the atolls they visit to encourage applying for the program.
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