Four Seasons celebrates 15 years of successful apprenticeship programme

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Four Seasons Resorts Maldives holds the graduation of the 15^th successful Hospitality Apprenticeship programme and welcomes its Class of 2018. The graduation ceremony, held at the National Art Gallery, saw the graduation of 47 apprentices from the Class of 2017 – 27 from Four Seasons Resort Landaa Giraavaru and 20 from Four Seasons Resort Kuda Huraa, and the welcoming of the new Class of 2018, comprising of 63 apprentices.

The highlights of the Class of 2017 included the graduation of a third-year graduate and that of the largest female graduates in the past five years.

“The breadth of talent, commitment and enthusiasm of the Maldivian youth never cease to amaze me. It’s incredible to think that we are now welcoming our fifteenth intake of graduates,” said Armando Kraenzlin, the Regional Vice President and General Manager of Four Seasons Resorts Maldives.

“It has been a great privilege to champion each and everyone on their way in the hospitality industry – an achievement that the whole team can take much pride in.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”13326″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Addressing the graduates and incoming Class of 2018, Kraenzlin highlighted on the long history of the programme. He also noted the rigorous vetting process for new applicants and expressed delight over the high number of applications received by the programme.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]“A huge milestone moment – and a testament to the ongoing success of the programme – the 2017/2018 academic year will see the programme’s total number of graduates exceed 500,” he added.

Addressing the function as the Guest of Honour, Environment Minister Thoriq Ibrahim highlighted on the contributions of the programme to the country’s hospitality industry.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”13327″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]“I applaud the unwavering commitment of Four Seasons Resorts Maldives and the innumerous contributions of its apprenticeship programme to the hotel industry. I am especially delighted that the graduates of the programme are well-informed and educated on environment and sustainability, and I hope each and every graduate will do their part in protecting the fragile natural environment of the Maldives,” he said.

The Four Seasons Resorts Maldives Hospitality Apprenticeship programme is the longest running and most successful of its kind in the Indian Ocean and was recognised in 2010 as the Maldives’ first TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) certified Apprenticeship scheme.

“Armando closely oversees every aspect of the programme to ensure its success,” said Randy Shimabuku – General Manager of Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa.

“Through the programme, we try to instil values of perseverance in the students. We advise them to not work and pray for an easy life, but to strive to seek the strength, courage and wisdom to take on life’s challenges,” he added.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]The programme is open to male and female Maldivians, aged 17-20, who meet a number of entry criteria including O-level certifications and fluency in both written and spoken English. No previous work experience is required and apprentices both live and work at Four Seasons Resorts Maldives, training in Resort operations five days a week, with theory classes one day a week, it said.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”13328″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Performance appraisals and tests are taken at regular intervals across the offered disciplines of Food & Beverage Preparation or Service, Safe Maritime Transport & Engineering, Housekeeping, Guest Services & Front of Office, PADI Dive Master, Water Sports Attendant, and Marine Biology and new for 2016, Surf, it further added.

Applicants interested in applying for the Apprenticeship Class of 2018 can contact apprenticeship.maldives@fourseasons.com for details of future recruitment procedures.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]