Inspired by the Swiss tradition of vocational training, this program was launched 23 years ago to address the need for skilled professionals in the Maldivian hospitality sector. With 858 graduates to date, the program offers comprehensive practical and theoretical training across various hotel operations. It emphasizes community engagement, sustainable practices, and technological advancements, ensuring its apprentices are well-equipped to excel in the rapidly evolving hospitality industry.
Travel And Tour World: Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the creation of the Hospitality Apprenticeship program 23 years ago? What motivated you to start this initiative, and how has it evolved over the years?
Armando Kraenzlin: I grew up in Switzerland where the tradition of vocational training and apprenticeships was not only customary, but seen as comparable to a university education, and a superior method of developing technical proficiency and mastery. Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts as a company has a Human Resources philosophy to first fill the need for employees with local talent. With few Maldivians employed in the hospitality sector, especially in our remote location, we saw there was a need to create something innovative.
Travel And Tour World: With 858 graduates since its inception, the apprenticeship program has clearly been successful. What do you believe are the key factors that have contributed to its long-term success and popularity?
Armando Kraenzlin: Our apprenticeship program is all-encompassing; a year-long practical and theoretical scheme that covers diverse aspects of hotel operations. It concentrates vocational training in an intense and collaborative environment that encourages rapid learning. Another factor is that we treat each apprentice as one of the team. Once enrolled on the training scheme, they’re paid a stipend and given room and board alongside regular employees. From their very first day, they have to work hard and learn teamwork and discipline – this strengthens their sense of professionalism and perseverance. We assign each apprentice a buddy and mentor to offer support, encouragement and guidance. We also offer additional support in English, Maths and a range of other subjects. In their second semester, apprentices undergo Specialisiation Training, which enables them to acquire in-depth knowledge and skills in one particular area and develop a sense of ownership and responsibility for a particular role.
Travel And Tour World: You initially paddled between islands to find young talent. How did you gain the trust of local communities, and how important is community engagement to the success of the program?
Armando Kraenzlin: Our School Visits programme aims to redress this issue on two levels: firstly, it gives students the opportunity to familiarize themselves with our island and our strong conservation ethos and beliefs. Secondly, it invites parents to accompany their children. We take them on tours both in guest areas and behind the scenes, showing them exactly what we can offer their children and giving them a sense that their child will be well looked after while in our care.
Travel And Tour World: The program now offers training in various specializations such as Food and Beverage, Housekeeping, Guest Services, and even Resort Photography. How do you determine which new specializations to introduce, and what has been the response to these additions?
Armando Kraenzlin: We look at the predominant openings in Maldivian hospitality and aim to equip our young graduates with career skills. We want them to enjoy lifelong success in careers that not only harness their unique gifts but also offer optimum chance of employment. The more options we offer, the greater the pool of talent. As the Maldives tourism industry continues to expand, so too does the Four Seasons Apprenticeship Program. Every year, we review and evolve each specialty course to include all the latest information and trends to ensure it remains 100% in line with industry demand.
Travel And Tour World: While graduates can join any hotel brand, many choose to stay with Four Seasons Maldives. What makes Four Seasons such an attractive option for your program’s graduates, and how do you support their career development post-graduation?
Armando Kraenzlin: We do not develop these young hoteliers exclusively for our own resorts. The program’s aim is to equip all graduates with the skills required to feed the rapidly expanding hotel industry of the Maldives. The program’s reputation has grown to such a degree that other resorts now ask when the 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.
Travel And Tour World: Sustainability is a critical issue in the hospitality industry. How does Four Seasons Resorts Maldives integrate sustainable practices into its operations, and how are these practices incorporated into the apprenticeship program?
Armando Kraenzlin: It’s in Four Seasons DNA to take steps to support the local community and environment. All of our new apprentices go through the EarthCheck standard training during their onsite ‘Embark’ induction and our sustainability goals and annual environmental action plan is also widely communicated. Our apprentices are all given firsthand experience of our many earth-friendly initiative and programs, from our sea turtle rehabilitation centre and onsite farm to our composting program, coral reefscaping project and more – when you join the Four Seasons Maldives team it’s pretty clear from the off how integral sustainable practices are to the whole operation.
Travel And Tour World: Technology is rapidly changing the hospitality landscape. How is Four Seasons Resorts Maldives leveraging technology to enhance guest experiences and operational efficiency, and how are these technological advancements reflected in the training provided to apprentices?
Armando Kraenzlin: As we continue to evolve the apprenticeeship program, we are proud to announce that we have signed an agreement with a French training technology company, 360 Learning, to allow us to create digital content, an improved student management system and a more collaborative and experiential approach to learning for the apprentices. The first modules will be rolled out later this year for the F&B Service students.
