Marriott International Maldives announces the commencement of the second-year cohorts for its Marriott International Maldives Apprenticeship Program (MIMAP) with a grand ceremony held on 5th June 2024, at Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa. With the issuance of appointment letters to all 60 participants, the program officially welcomed the apprentices.
MIMAP was launched as a pilot project on 9th May 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, the President of Asia Pacific Excluding China (APEC) at 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. MIMAP was awarded the Training and Development Program of the Year award at the Hotelier Maldives Awards 2024.