Bandos Maldives announces first ever apprenticeship program with Swiss School of Hotel Management

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Bandos Maldives, in collaboration with the Swiss School of Hotel Management, has announced their first ever apprenticeship program. The resort is currently in the middle of recruiting 20 young school leavers between the ages 16 to 20 to participate in this fully funded program.

The 1-year apprenticeship is the equivalent of a diploma and will be conducted by professionals from SHML. Bandos Maldives has trained many students over the past 25 years in their industrial training programs, but this apprenticeship is the first of its kind to be organized by the resort.

Mr. Hassan Saeed, Director of Learning and Development at Bandos Maldives and his team are currently visiting different atolls to recruit students to take part in the apprenticeship. The team is also conducting social programs to create awareness among local communities about the benefits of working in the tourism industry for young people.

According to Mr. Hassan Saeed one of the biggest challenges in trying to recruit young students from the islands nearby is the mindset of the local elders. “We have been meeting local councils, the community leaders and school students every day,” he said. “Local communities are not too keen on sending their children to a resort away from their families, and it has been no easy feat trying to convince them that having their child working in the tourism sector, especially in a resort, is not a bad thing.”

Hassan Saeed continued, “But on a positive note, we have been receiving many applications from young students who are studying tourism at school, who are interested in taking part in the apprenticeship program. We are currently screening the students and will select a total of 20 students for the apprenticeship.”

The program will have four categories for students to choose from – Rooms Division, Culinary, Food and Beverage service or a combination of all three. Students who complete the program will receive a highly recognised certificate from SHML Switzerland. Students will also have the opportunity to further their education in Switzerland.

The team, currently in Baa Atoll today, will be travelling to Laamu atoll and Gaaf Dhaal atolls on the 1 and 3 June, respectively. The team also plans on travelling to Fuvahmulah on the 12 and Addu on the 14 June.

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