Four Seasons Resorts Maldives has celebrated the 25th anniversary of its Hospitality Apprenticeship Program, marking more than 1,000 Maldivian graduates and announcing a new Marine and Environmental Science apprenticeship developed in collaboration with Maldives National University.

The anniversary ceremony took place on April 18, 2026, at the Maldives National University Auditorium in Malé. The event celebrated 77 graduates from the Class of 2026 and welcomed 84 incoming apprentices for the Class of 2027, selected from more than 300 applicants across 28 islands and 15 atolls.

Since launching in 2001 with just five students, the Four Seasons Maldives Apprenticeship Program has grown into the longest-running program of its kind in the Indian Ocean. To date, 1,058 Maldivians have graduated from the program, which was also the Maldives' first Technical and Vocational Education and Training-certified apprenticeship scheme.

Today, the program offers 14 career pathways across hospitality and resort operations, including Culinary, Front Office, Engineering, Housekeeping, Marine Transport, Diving and Watersports, Recreation, Photography, and Marine Conservation. Apprentices live and train on resort islands, combining technical education with leadership development, emotional intelligence modules, and immersion in Four Seasons service culture.

“For me, this program has always been about possibility,” said Armando Kraenzlin, Regional Vice President and General Manager, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru. “Twenty-five years ago, we started with five students and a simple belief that, given the right environment, young people can achieve far more than they imagine. Today, seeing more than a thousand graduates building careers, leading teams, and shaping the industry, that belief has proven itself many times over.”

New Marine and Environmental Science Pathway
As part of the milestone year, Four Seasons Resorts Maldives is introducing a fully funded, four-year Marine and Environmental Science apprenticeship in collaboration with Maldives National University.

Launching with the Class of 2027, the pathway is designed to support future Maldivian ocean scientists, marine biologists, sustainability officers, environmental researchers, and conservation specialists. Training will take place across Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, and Maldives National University in Malé.

During the first year, apprentices will combine classroom study with hands-on fieldwork, covering marine ecosystems, biodiversity conservation, climate science, fisheries, aquaculture, and blue economy principles. At the end of the first year, participants will graduate with a Level 4 Advanced Certificate in Marine and Environmental Science.

The pathway then continues into a three-year bachelor's degree, with specializations in Fisheries and Aquaculture or Climate Change.
The launch comes as the Maldives faces increasing environmental pressure on its coral reefs, fisheries, and coastal ecosystems. By creating a university-level pathway for young Maldivians, Four Seasons aims to strengthen local expertise in marine conservation and climate resilience while supporting long-term career opportunities within the country's blue economy.

“This anniversary is not simply about looking back,” added Kraenzlin. “It is about looking ahead and investing in the next generation of Maldivian leaders who will help protect the very environment that makes our islands so extraordinary.”

About the Four Seasons Maldives Apprenticeship Program
Open to Maldivians aged 17 to 20, the Four Seasons Maldives Apprenticeship Program offers structured training across resort disciplines, combining practical workplace learning with nationally recognized qualifications. Alumni now hold leadership roles within Four Seasons properties, other luxury hospitality brands, and the wider tourism sector.

In 2023, the program expanded its international outlook with a student exchange initiative with the Republic of Palau, further strengthening its focus on cross-cultural learning, island communities, and ocean stewardship.