Four Seasons Maldives Celebrates 25 Years and 1,058 Graduates of Apprenticeship Programme
The 25-year-old Four Seasons Maldives Apprenticeship Programme has graduated over a thousand young Maldivians. The programme offers pathways from hospitality to marine sciences, aiming to tackle environmental challenges while boosting the local workforce.
Highlights
- •1,058 graduates: Celebrating 25 years of training and education in the Indian Ocean.
- •New Marine & Environmental Science apprenticeship: Combining academic study with hands-on fieldwork.
- •Government-accredited programme: Providing national recognition for competency standards.
- •Leadership development modules: Enhancing emotional intelligence and technical skills.
Nineteen years ago, Five Maldivian apprentices kicked off the now longest-running hospitality training programme in the Indian Ocean. This event, on April 18, 2026, at the Maldives National University Auditorium in Malé, celebrated this historic milestone with 1,058 graduates since its inception.
The programme, which began as a bold initiative to train young Maldivians for guest-facing roles, has grown into an integral part of island life. This year's event honored the 77 graduates from this year's Class of 2026 and welcomed the incoming Class of 2027, comprising 84 apprentices selected from over 300 applicants across 15 atolls.
Pathway to Excellence: The Apprenticeship Programme's Evolution
Initially a small pilot with five students, the programme evolved into a government-accredited training scheme. Today, it offers 14 pathways in disciplines such as Culinary Arts, Housekeeping, Engineering, and Marine Conservation. The programme's hands-on approach, including international exchanges, aims to develop well-rounded professionals who thrive both inside and outside the resort setting.
Applicants aged between 17 and 20 benefit from rigorous training that spans technical skills, emotional intelligence, and leadership development. Alumni now hold key positions in luxury hospitality and the broader tourism industry, underscoring the programme's impact on Maldivian economic development.
In a groundbreaking move, Four Seasons launched the Marine and Environmental Science apprenticeship this year. This four-year pathway combines academic study with fieldwork at Four Seasons resorts to nurture future ocean scientists, marine biologists, and sustainability leaders.
With climate change threatening Maldivian livelihoods and ecosystems, this programme plays a crucial role in addressing both environmental and socio-economic challenges. The training not only prepares young professionals for leadership roles but also equips them to drive sustainable practices that benefit the communities they serve.
"For us, this anniversary is about looking ahead," explains Armando Kraenzlin, Regional Vice President and General Manager of Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru. "By training our future leaders in marine science and environmental stewardship, we ensure that the next generation can protect and sustain our unique Maldivian way of life."
