Maldives: Patina Maldives, a Fari Islands resort has welcomed the first cohort of students to its Vocational Education & Training (VET) centre.
The three-year courses, which yield diplomas signed and issued by the École hôtelière de Lausanne and which are recognised by the Maldives Qualification Authority, enable local talent to develop the necessary skills and knowledge of working within the hotel and restaurant sectors.
Developed in Switzerland, the curriculum blends on-the-job training with classroom learning and assessments. Pathways on offer in the 2022/23 academic year include a six-month foundation module in food and beverage service, and a hotel foundation certificate. Each course is followed by a further two six-month modules at intermediate and advanced levels.
14 students have been chosen to undertake the inaugural course, and are fully sponsored by Patina Maldives which covers tuition fees and course materials.
Mohamed Rasheed, director of HR at Patina Maldives, Fari Island, said: “We are delighted to be spearheading this initiative, which is the first of its kind, bringing internationally accredited hotel and hospitality training to the Maldives.
“True to the spirit of Patina and the Fari Islands, the pioneering scheme aims to bring a fresh approach to resourcing, training and HR, and to nurturing young talent on the ground in the Maldives. Together with EHL, we are committed to providing an enriching pathway to success for those who wish to rise to their full potential in hospitality management.”
The programme will be developed from 2023 with the addition of further diploma programmes in departments such as culinary, rooms division, F&B service, hotel administration and hotel communications, with a total intake of 30 students per cohort. Once the programme is fully established, the scheme will open to all Maldivian nationals.
Developed by Pontiac Land Group, the four-island archipelago of the Fari Islands launched last year with the opening of Patina Maldives, the first resort of a new lifestyle brand by the Capella Hotel Group, and the Ritz Carlton Maldives. A third resort, a Capella hotel, is scheduled to open in 2025.
