On Friday, 17 April 2020, 54 graduates from the Four Seasons Maldives Apprenticeship Programme raised their diplomas at the graduation ceremony. The ceremonies were held at Four Seasons Kuda Huraa and Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru.
These new graduates add to make a total of 651 since the programme’s inception in 2001, and 2020 marks the 20th anniversary of the programme.
Mr Hassan Sobir, Ambassador of the Maldives to the EU graced the ceremonies via video link. A press release from the resorts state that Mr Hassan Sobir was a ]supporter of the programme since the beginning in 2001 and was also the guest of honour at the programme’s first graduation ceremony 20 years ago.
“For two decades, we have proudly invested in local talent. So many young men and women have become and will become the backbone of the Maldivian hospitality industry in years to come thanks to this Apprenticeship Program,” shares Four Seasons Resorts Maldives regional vice president Armando Kraenzlin. “In these uncertain times, it is more important than ever to keep investing in the future of the Maldivian island communities. This is to ensure the youth have the training, skills and qualifications necessary to secure future jobs not only when the travel industry rebounds but for the long-term success and longevity of the Maldivian hospitality industry as a whole”.
The programme is TVET accredited and aimed at 17 to 20-year olds, equipping them with the knowledge and expertise to excel in the hospitality industry.
The programme is open to males and females who meet the criteria, which include O-Levels and fluency in written and spoken English.