Marriott International launches third cohort of Maldives Apprenticeship Programme

Marriott International has officially launched the third cohort of its Maldives Apprenticeship Programme (MIMAP), with a commencement ceremony held on 13 July 2025 at Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa.

The ceremony marked the induction of 73 apprentices into the 10-month initiative and was attended by key figures including Mohamed Aseel, Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information, and Arts; Adam Haleem, Programme Director at the Maldives Institute of Technology (MIT); Gautam Bhandari, Senior Vice President of Hotel Development & Operations, Marriott International; Oriol Montal, Regional Vice President, Luxury, Asia Pacific excluding China (APEC), Marriott International; and Mark Fletcher, Senior Director of Human Resources Operations, Marriott International.

Addressing the gathering, Mohamed Aseel reaffirmed the Ministry’s continued support for MIMAP, commending it as a transformative platform investing in the potential of Maldivian youth. He underscored the programme’s role as a prime example of effective public-private collaboration, providing experience-based learning that equips apprentices with technical competencies, guided mentorship, and nationally recognised certification. He encouraged the apprentices to approach the opportunity with purpose, noting the programme’s alignment with national objectives to combat youth unemployment, nurture a skilled workforce, and empower young Maldivians to contribute meaningfully to national progress and global competitiveness.

Oriol Montal remarked, “Through our collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts, the National Apprenticeship Programme and MIT, MIMAP has evolved into a national model for development and empowerment. With 73 apprentices joining this year—the highest number so far—we are proud to see the programme flourish as a strong talent pipeline. We thank our partners for their belief in this initiative and their commitment to delivering meaningful, practical learning in hospitality. To our new apprentices: embrace this journey—not just as future professionals, but as future leaders.”

Representing the third cohort, apprentice Ahmed Maaris Rasheed expressed gratitude on behalf of his peers: “It is truly an honour to represent a group of young Maldivians ready to learn, grow, and contribute. This programme opens doors to real opportunities. On behalf of the 2025 cohort, thank you for believing in us and giving us the chance to dream bigger.”

Initially launched as a pilot project on 9 May 2023 in partnership with the National Apprenticeship Programme and the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Information, and Arts, MIMAP forms part of Marriott International’s TakeCare initiative under its global Corporate Social Responsibility efforts. The programme provides young Maldivians with vital exposure to the hospitality industry by enabling them to learn directly from experienced professionals across Marriott’s resorts in the Maldives.

The 10-month apprenticeship combines structured, on-the-job training with classroom-based instruction delivered by MIT. Participants follow a curriculum accredited by the Maldives National Skills Development Authority, working towards a Maldives Qualification Authority Level 3 certification. Apprentices gain practical experience at participating resorts including The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands; The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort; JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa; JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort; W Maldives; Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa; The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort; and Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa.

Since its inception, MIMAP has seen 74 apprentices graduate successfully, with 16 now employed full-time across Marriott resorts in the Maldives. The programme has earned recognition as the ‘Training and Development Programme of the Year’ at the Hotelier Maldives Awards for two consecutive years, underscoring its tangible impact and industry value.

The launch of the third cohort reflects Marriott International Maldives’ ongoing commitment to nurturing local talent and supporting the long-term development of the nation’s tourism sector. As the first international hospitality brand to partner with the government on a national apprenticeship initiative, Marriott continues to lead in empowering Maldivian youth and shaping the future of hospitality in the Maldives.