In an effort to make contributions to the field of hospitality education in Maldives, the hospitality giant, Marriott International, successfully completed the third batch of the Marriott International Maldives Apprenticeship Program (MIMAP). The said program was organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Fitness and the Maldives Institute of Technology (MIT).
The ceremony saw the attendance of the Commissioner of Sports, Mohamed Tholal, representing the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Fitness, Abdulla Rafiu, in addition to representatives from both the organizations stated above.The graduates underwent training in five different aspects of hospitality, namely front office, housekeeping, food and beverages, culinary, and electrical fitting and maintenance.
The MIMAP began in 2023 and continues to become an important initiative towards the development of talents in the area. The number of participants in the program exceeded 500, out of whom 171 joined the program. Out of 171, there are 73 applicants enrolled in the ongoing intake. With the graduating batch of trainees, 74 apprentices have successfully graduated and pursued jobs in hospitality industry-related professions. Concerning the theoretical knowledge gained from the program, students underwent academic lessons in the Maldives Institute of Technology, while practical sessions were delivered through Marriott International properties in the Maldives. Properties that participated in this program include: The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands; The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort; W Maldives; JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa; JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort; Le Meridien Maldives Resort & Spa; Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa; and The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort.
In terms of the Commissioner’s speech to the participants of the event, the former advised the program's graduates to pursue their quest for knowledge and underscored the importance of resilience and diligence in their activities in the future. Amila Handunwala addressed the audience at the event by congratulating the program's graduates and their rising achievements.
“This is about far more than a training program being completed today, since it's about skill set, confidence and opportunity for the Maldivian youth," noted Handunwala. "We proudly recognize our work with our government partners, the Maldives Institute of Technology and the Marriott management teams, in developing the next generation of hospitality professionals.”The continued success of the MIMAP proves Marriott International's enduring commitment to workforce development programs.
