SOUTH AFRICA – Multinational hospitality company Marriott International has opened applications for its Accelerate Program 2025 skills development program.
The application deadline for the program is February 28, 2025.
This initiative aims to provide youth aged 18 to 22 with the skills, training, and industry experience necessary to pursue careers in hospitality.
The program begins with a one-year Orientation phase, where participants gain hands-on experience in hotel departments or kitchen operations.
Afterward, they enter the three-year Accelerate Program, which includes rotations through various Marriott hotels, allowing participants to learn hotel operations. Additionally, they attend accredited hospitality or culinary schools, with all tuition costs covered by Marriott.
Upon completing the program, graduates are required to work with Marriott for at least one year, ensuring employment and career progression. Participants also receive financial support, including a monthly stipend to assist with living expenses during training.
Benjamin Memani, Marriott’s Area Director of Human Resources for Sub-Saharan Africa, emphasized the significance of the program, noting, “Youth unemployment is one of the most pressing challenges we face. Through the Accelerate Programme, we are equipping young South Africans with career-ready skills and enhancing the local talent pool in the hospitality sector.”
Each trainee is provided with a monthly stipend to support living expenses throughout the program. Memani further explained, “This support has been crucial, as the hospitality sector often struggles to attract talent due to financial barriers.”
Since Marriott’s acquisition of Protea Hotels in 2014, over 1,200 youth have participated in the program.
Notable success stories include Thuthukile Moloto, Cluster Director of Quality at Marriott Hotels in Saudi Arabia, and Colin Naiker, Cluster General Manager at Protea Hotel Breakwater Lodge in Cape Town.
Naiker shared, “The Accelerate Programme played a key role in shaping my career and the careers of many others. It provided a strong foundation of practical and theoretical knowledge, enabling us to thrive in the hospitality industry.”
“It’s not just about securing immediate employment but fostering future leaders who will drive the industry forward.”
Fifty Orientation positions are available across South Africa. Candidates who have completed Matric can apply through the Marriott Careers Portal, searching for “Accelerate” and filtering by South Africa.
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