Centara Hotels & Resorts – Maldives Partners with SAILS to Expand Hospitality Career Pathways for Maldivians

Centara Hotels & Resorts’ Maldives portfolio has partnered with the Sustainable and Integrated Labour Services (SAILS) Project to create structured career pathways for Maldivians seeking employment in the hospitality industry.

The SAILS Project is a World Bank-funded initiative under the Ministry of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology.

Centara’s Maldives portfolio comprises Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, The Centara Collection, Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, and Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives.

Through the partnership, the resorts will work with the SAILS Project to develop structured apprenticeship programmes, facilitate internship opportunities and support job placements across the portfolio. The initiative is intended to improve employability and connect Maldivian job seekers with career opportunities in the hospitality sector.

The first initiative under the partnership will be an Open Day for job seekers and prospective candidates interested in internship and apprenticeship opportunities. The event will be held at Villa College Hall in Malé on Sunday, 23 August 2026, from 2pm to 5pm. Prior registration is required.

The Open Day will feature current vacancies across the resorts, alongside two structured talent development pathways.

The six-month Internship Programme will provide participants with practical, on-the-job experience under the guidance of experienced leaders and team members. The one-year Apprenticeship Programme will combine structured learning with workplace experience to help participants develop specialised skills for full-time careers in hospitality.

Both programmes cover key operational areas, including Culinary, Food & Beverage Service, Front Office and Housekeeping. They are open to candidates who have completed their GCE O’Level or are at least 16 years of age and have a basic command of English.

Jorge Fernandez, Cluster General Manager of Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives and Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, said: “At Centara Hotels & Resorts – Maldives, investing in our people is at the heart of everything we do. This partnership with the SAILS Project reflects our long-term commitment to nurturing Maldivian talent, and we are proud to open new doors of opportunity for our local community. The Open Day marks the beginning of what we believe will be a truly rewarding journey, one where we welcome bright, driven individuals to grow and build lasting careers within the Centara family.”

Francesco Pompilio, Cluster General Manager, Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, The Centara Collection, and Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives, said: “We see this initiative as an important step towards strengthening the future of hospitality in the Maldives. By connecting young Maldivian talent with practical experience, mentorship and structured career pathways, we can help develop the skills needed to build a strong and sustainable local workforce. We look forward to welcoming participants, sharing our knowledge and supporting the next generation of hospitality professionals as they build meaningful careers within the industry.”

Centara said the partnership would provide Maldivians with training, mentorship and opportunities to develop their careers across the Maldives and beyond.