Three Aspiring Palauan Hoteliers Graduate From Acclaimed
Four Seasons Maldives Hospitality Apprenticeship
Maldives, July 5, 2023 – Three aspiring Palauan hoteliers have become the first from the country to graduate from the year-long Four Seasons Maldives Hospitality Apprenticeship – the longest running and most successful program of its kind in the Indian Ocean, having graduated 809 young Maldivians since its inception in 2021.
Dilreng Dee-light Patrick, Kaali Mae, and Joyce L Kyota were three members of the 59-strong Class of 2023 to graduate on 24 June, 2023, at a special ceremony held at Maldives National University Auditorium, Malé in the presence of Chief Guest of Honour and Honorable Minister of Tourism, Government of Maldives, His Excellency Dr Abdullah Mausoom. Graduating in their respective disciplines of F&B Service, Housekeeping & Front Office, and Food Preparation, Dilreng, Kaali and Joyce became the first Palauans to participate in the Maldives-based program – part of an exchange agreement between the two governments that will see 21 Maldivians spend a year in Palau from summer 2023 to commence a new Four Seasons venture. Commenting on the achievements of the trio at the ceremony, Four Seasons Resorts Maldives Regional Vice President, Armando Kraenzlin, commented on the “marvellous opportunity for the youth of both nations” and the importance of a program such as the Four Seasons Maldives Hospitality Apprenticeship in nurturing the youngsters of today to be the hospitality leaders of tomorrow. “It has been a pleasure having Dilreng, Kaali and Joyce as part of the Class of 2023, and to observe their development, commitment and resilience during the course of the past 12 months,” said Mr Kraenzlin. “I have no doubt that their experience during the last year will not only have prepared them for their roles in the exciting launch of Four Seasons Explorer in their home country of Palau later this year, but also equipped them with experiences and learnings that will stand them in good stead for life.” Prior to her year-long Four Seasons Maldives Hospitality Apprenticeship in F&B Service, Dilreng Dee-light Patrick worked in Palau Pacific Hotel, Koror as an F&B Waitress, having previously gained service experience in a supermarket as a Cashier.
During her time in the Maldives, Dilreng also undertook additional theory courses including a Wine Class and Tea Course. She will be joining Four Seasons Explorer Palau as a Guest Service Agent when the boat sets sail in Palauan waters on October 1, 2023. Kaali Mae’s one-year internship in Housekeeping & Front Office was preceded by her role as a Customer Service Agent in Palau Public Utilities Corporation. Kaali passed all Front Office apprentice course exams with flying colours and will join Dilreng in the role of Guest Services Agent on the Four Seasons Explorer catamaran when it launches in Palau. Before being selected for an apprenticeship in Food Preparation, Joyce worked in Palau Public Utilities Corporation as a Customer Service Representative. During her time in the Maldives, she excelled in a wide variety of courses including Culinary History and Recipe Costing. Joyce will continue with another two months of apprenticeship training in the Maldives to enhance her skills in the Cold Kitchen prior to joining Four Seasons Explorer Palau as a Commis Chef. Accredited by the Government of Maldives since 2010, the Four Seasons Maldives Hospitality Apprenticeship equips enthusiastic youngsters with the expertise required to excel in the hospitality industry. No previous work experience is required but apprentices are required to have O-Level certifications and fluency in both written and spoken English. Training takes place five days a week and all apprentices live and work onsite in the beautiful surroundings of Four Seasons Resorts of Kuda Huraa and Landaa Giraavaru in the Maldives. Echoing the familial relationships that build among long-term staff at the Resorts, the apprentices are supported throughout their learning experience. Performance appraisals and tests are taken at regular intervals to check if and when extra learning support is needed, and a buddy and mentor is assigned to each apprentice to offer encouragement and advice. Teamwork is at the core of all Four Seasons operations and the youngsters come away with an enhanced commitment to professionalism and perseverance for the good of the whole – an outlook that will serve them for life.