Binoy Mehera
Reading Time: 3 minutes
Marriott International Maldives proudly announces the launch of the second-year cohorts for its esteemed Marriott International Maldives Apprenticeship Program (MIMAP). The grand commencement ceremony took place on June 5, 2024, at Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa. The event was honored by the presence of His Excellency Mr. Hussain Mohamed Latheef, Vice President of the Republic of Maldives; Honorable Ibrahim Waheed, Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information, and Arts; Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific Excluding China, Marriott International; Neeraj Govil, Chief Operations Officer, Asia-Pacific Excluding China, Marriott International; and Mark Fletcher, Area Director of Human Resources, Singapore & Maldives, Marriott International.
The ceremony marked another significant milestone for both Marriott International and the Maldivian government, following the successful graduation of MIMAP’s inaugural cohort. Appointment letters were issued to all 60 program participants, officially welcoming them into the program. The event featured motivational speeches from the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information, and Arts, and Rajeev Menon, who shared their enthusiasm for the program’s potential to empower Maldivian youth.
In his address, the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information, and Arts highlighted the crucial role of Maldivian youth, who make up 43% of the population aged 18-35, emphasizing the need to provide them with essential tools for success. He described the National Apprenticeship Program (NAP) as a steadfast commitment to developing a skilled workforce, empowering youth to achieve their dreams and reducing unemployment. He also emphasized that the partnership with Marriott International goes beyond a simple agreement, reaffirming a commitment to identify and nurture local talents for the Maldivian hospitality market.
MIMAP was launched as a pilot project on May 9, 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, offering apprentices the opportunity 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, combined with comprehensive classroom training from industry experts. Participants will gain theoretical knowledge from MIT through the approved curriculum of the 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, President, Asia Pacific Excluding China (APEC), 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 inaugural year, the Marriott International Maldives Apprenticeship Program (MIMAP) saw the graduation of 43 cohorts, with 37 of them now employed as full-time associates. Recently honored as the Training and Development Programme of the Year at the Hotelier Maldives Awards 2024, MIMAP stands as a testament to its success and industry impact. The launch of the second-year Apprenticeship Program reaffirms Marriott International Maldives’ dedication to cultivating a sustainable pipeline of local talent, further enhancing the growth and prosperity of the country’s tourism sector. As the first international hospitality brand to collaborate with the government apprenticeship program, Marriott International Maldives continues to nurture young Maldivian talent and foster growth within the hospitality industry.
The post Marriott International Maldives Celebrates New Apprenticeship Cohort with VIP Attendees appeared first on Travel And Tour World.
Source link