On June 3, 2021, Four Seasons Resorts Maldives welcomed a new intake of 44 Apprentices to the class of 2022 (12 at Kuda Huraa and 32 at Landaa Giraavaru) during a virtual inauguration ceremony, held simultaneously at both Four Seasons Kuda Huraa and Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru.
The joint live Zoom broadcast was watched by employees of both Resorts and graced by guest of honour, His Excellency the Ambassador to Belgium and Head of Mission to the European Union, Mr. Hassan Sobir, who appeared via a live zoom call from Brussels, Belgium. A supporter of the program since its inception, H.E. Mr. Hassan Sobir was also the guest of honour at the program’s first graduation ceremony 21 years ago.
Unable to accommodate new apprentices in 2020, the government-accredited Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Program – is continuing with a slightly smaller intake than usual this year. Nevertheless, its fundamental goals remain as steadfast as they have for two decades: to develop technical skills; to impart professional and general knowledge, and to coach mindsets, attitudes, values and behaviours.
In his address to the new apprentices, Four Seasons Resorts Maldives Regional Vice President, Armando Kraenzlin, spoke about the need to be nimble and agile in these ever-changing times. Reflecting this approach, this year’s program will introduce two new combined disciplines to second-year apprentices – Safe Maritime Transport & Boat Mechanic, and Front Office & Recreation Attendant – to equip future graduates with multi-skills that better enable them to adapt to the industry’s changing demands.
Aimed at 17 to 20-year-olds, the Four Seasons Maldives Apprenticeship Program is dedicated to providing enthusiastic Maldivian youngsters with the expertise required to excel as professionals in the hospitality industry. To date, the total number of graduates stands at 651 since the program’s inception in 2001, making it one of the most successful and long-running apprenticeships of its kind in the Indian Ocean.
Whilst living, studying and working onsite at Four Seasons two Resort islands of Kuda Huraa and Landaa Giraavaru, apprentices gain hands-on experience in their chosen discipline: Food & Beverage Preparation or Service, Safe Maritime Transport, Housekeeping & Guest Services, PADI Dive Master, Water Sports Attendant, Marine Biology plus 2021’s two new disciplines for second-year apprentices: Front Office & Recreation Attendant and Safe Maritime Transport & Boat Mechanic.
The program is open to male and female Maldivians 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 are recruited from throughout the country for the fully-funded course, recognised in 2010 as the Maldives’ first TVET-certified Apprenticeship scheme.
