Marriot International Maldives has held a graduation ceremony on April 19 at the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort and Spa.

The ceremony saw the graduation of 31 apprentices from the second cohort of the Marriot International Maldives Apprenticeship Program.

Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts Ibrahim Waheed was Chief Guest at the ceremony. Senior officials of the ministry and the Maldives Institute of Technology (MIT) also attended the event.

"Today, we celebrate 31 apprenticeship graduates. These are 31 futures redefined - each a testament to what happens when opportunity meets action," the Minister said.

The program, created in collaboration with the Youth Ministry and MIT, offered apprentices a comprehensive 10 month curriculum which included training in various areas of hospitality, such as front office, food and beverage, and housekeeping.

“When we launched this program in 2023, it was envisioned as a pilot, a leap of faith, grounded in belief. A belief in crafting talents of Maldivian youth, belief in the strength and collaboration, and belief in Marriott’s commitment to “take care” – not just our people but the communities where we serve,” commented Mark Fletcher, Area Director of Human Resources for Singapore & Maldives at Marriott International.

“What began as an initiative is now a movement, and Marriott International is proud to be the first international hospitality brand to officially launch such apprenticeship program in the Maldives.”

Apprentices completed the theoretical component at MIT, followed by practical experience at Marriot International's resorts in the Maldives, including The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, JW Marriot Maldives Resort and Spa, W Maldives, Le Meridien Maldives Resort and Spa, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort and Spa and The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort.