Four Seasons Resort Maldives kicked off its Apprentices program during a virtual ceremony via Zoom on June 3.
The ceremony welcomed the new intake of 44 apprentices, with 12 at Kuda Huraa and 32 at Landaa Giraavaru, and was held simultaneously at both resorts.
Ambassador of Belgium and Head of Mission to the European Union Hassan Sobir was the guest of honour, who took part in the ceremony from Brussels.
Speaking to the new apprentices, the Regional Vice President of Four Seasons Resorts Maldives Armando Kraenzlin, noted the significance of remaining “nimble and agile in these ever-changing times.”
Hence for this year, the program included two new combined disciplines for second-year apprentices to better equip future graduates with multiple skills to help them merge with the industry’s changing demands. Those are Safe Maritime Transport & Boat Mechanic, and Front Office & Recreation Attendant.
Due to the global pandemic, the program was unable to accommodate new apprentices in 2020, and this year’s batch is smaller than usual. Even with these setbacks, the government-accredited Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Program’s fundamental goals remain the same. Starting from two decades till date, developing technical skills; to impart professional and general knowledge, and coaching mindsets, attitudes, values and behaviours remain steadfast.
The program is designed for 17 to 20-year-olds Maldivians and to date, 651 have graduated since 2001. Apprentices will be living, studying and working on-site at the resorts, gaining hands-on experience in their chosen discipline.
Entry criteria include 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.
