The fifth batch of the Discover Hospitality program, introduced to train aspiring workers of the tourism industry has graduated with certificates presented to the upcoming sixth batch of 20 students in addition to the 30 graduates of the 5th batch.
The fifth batch of the Discover Hospitality program, introduced by Universal Foundation and Villa College to train aspiring workers of the tourism industry has graduated.
The ceremony held at the Meerumaa Events Conference Centre yesterday saw certificates presented to the new batch of 20 students joining the upcoming sixth selection in addition to awarding the 30 graduates of the fifth batch with their certification of completion.
Iyaz Waheed, President of the Universal Foundation said during the ceremony that the Discover Hospitality program was introduced following a thorough research conducted by the Foundation to increase the number of locals engaged in the country's tourism sector. He highlighted that there remains locals who are interested in the industry who are, however, stripped of educational opportunities and declared that the program was begun to introduce such lacking opportunities for locals while increasing their participation in the industry.
"Universal does a lot of work to build people. This Universal Foundation program was created to proceed our work to build people at a more refined level. 129 students have graduated the course thus far. Of this, 20 percent are females," said Iyaz.
He noted that those who completed the course in the past have now entered the workforce and are serving junior management roles in the industry.
Vice Rector of Villa College, Ali Najeeb had also emphasized the success of the program, highlighting that it is a flagship program of the college which has produced 129 graduates, of which 80 percent are employed in positions related to the industry.
He added that the program offers many chances to enter the tourism sector and implored new students to fully exploit the benefits of these opportunities.
Minister of State for Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development, Ahmed Shafeeu had also attended the ceremony and encouraged parents to endorse youth engagement in the tourism sector. He assured that the sector remains one that will assuredly offer a large income, further maintaining that the industry offers countless opportunities from junior to senior level, all of which are heavily sought by Maldivians.
Discover Hospitality was first introduced in 2007 owing to the partnership between Universal Foundation and Villa College. The program offers theory education taught at the college after which the largest portion of learning includes collecting practical experience at various resorts under the Foundation's umbrella.
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