Graduating Class of 2024 — Photo by Four Seasons
Minister of State for Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development, Ahmed Shafeeu speaks during the graduation ceremony — Photo by Four Seasons Resorts Maldives
Armado Kraenzlin, Regional Vice President and General Manager of Four Seasons Resorts Maldives speaks during the graduation ceremony — Photo by Four Seasons Resorts Maldives

23 years ago Regional VP and GM Armando Kraenzlin of Four Seasons Resorts Maldives created a Hospitality Apprenticeship program for local Maldivians. It’s the longest-running and most successful of its kind in the Indian Ocean, with 858 graduates since its inception in 2001. Back then, Armando often paddled between islands seeking talented young people for his new “school” where they could learn the art of hospitality under his tutelage. Now there are many more applicants than spaces available.

This year, the 49 graduates of the apprenticeship class of 2024 –who live and apprentice with staff onsite at Four Seasons Resorts Maldives at Kuda Huraa and Landaa Giraavaru-- specialized in Food and Beverage, Housekeeping and Guest Services, Retail, Front Office, Maritime Transport, Engineering, Diving, Watersports, and a newly launched program, Resort Photography.