Gov’t looks to replicate success of Four Seasons Apprenticeship Program with other resorts- Dr. Zulfa

Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dr. Mariyam Zulfa has said that the government looks forward to replicate the success of the Four Seasons apprenticeship program with other resorts in the country.

Dr. Zulfa said this at the ceremony held yesterday at Nasandhura Palace Hotel to celebrate the 10^th anniversary of the Four Seasons Resorts Maldives Apprenticeship Program, which also was the graduation ceremony of the Four Seasons Resorts Maldives Apprenticeship Program Class of 2011

Minister Zulfa said that the government is also conducting a program to raise awareness among young people as to the professional opportunities in the tourism sector.

Dr. Zulfa said that the new constitution allows for freedom of expression and assembly, in cases where employers are not meeting their conditions. She said that providing training opportunities and making a conscious attempt to care for staff will reduce discontent.

Meanwhile, since its inception, the Four Seasons Resorts Maldives Apprenticeship Program has equipped more than 200 young Maldivians with the skills necessary to thrive in the hospitality industry.

Awarded the ‘President of Maldives Award for Human Resource Development in the Tourism Industry’ in 2001, 2002 and 2004, it again hit headlines in 2010 when it became the country’s first TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training)-certified Apprenticeship scheme, with a government-accredited curriculum and nationally recognized and certified competency standards and qualifications.

The year-long program is open to young Maldivian aged between 17 and 20 with O-level certification, an outgoing service-oriented personality, and fluency in both written and spoken English. It concentrates vocational training in an intense and collaborative environment that encourages rapid learning. Specialisation courses in areas ranging from Food & Beverage Preparation to Safe Maritime Transport are taught by leading professionals alongside many other facets of hospitality studies. Over the years, the program’s reputation has grown to such a degree that other resorts now ask when graduates will be ready for hire; as a result, virtually all get a job upon graduation, with a degree and level of skill that would otherwise have taken years to acquire.

As the world’s leading operator of luxury hotels, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts currently manages 83 properties in 34 countries, and more than 40 projects under development. Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa reopened on September 15, 2006 while Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru opened on November 1, 2006. Both resorts offer a vacation experience of unlimited variety, and the highly personalised, anticipatory service that Four Seasons guests expect and value around the world.