Forty-two associates graduated from Quarter 1 which serves as a platform for empowering women and girls into the tourism workforce.
The Fiji Marriott Training Academy is not only focusing on nurturing young talents, but is also designed and equipped to upskill and train the resort’s current and long-serving associates through rotational training.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka made the remarks during the launch of the Fiji Marriott Training Academy at the Sheraton Fiji Golf and Beach Resort on Denarau Island in Nadi yesterday.
Forty-two associates graduated from Quarter 1 which serves as a platform for empowering women and girls into the tourism workforce.
The 42 trainees were offered employment contracts starting from the position of Commi II chefs to food and beverage (F&B) attendants while 14 worked in culinary departments traditionally dominated by men.
“Globally, tourism is expected to grow even if we recover, presents both opportunities and challenges. The provides the opportunity to invest in people, their capabilities, and creating quality jobs in the tourism sector,” Mr Gavoka said.
He said in the four months he had been in Government, the first thing he said when asked about what their priorities for tourism were is ‘upskilling and training.’
People are the heart of tourism
“People are at the heart said.
“You can have the same beaches here as you do in any other countries. You can have the same or even better food almost anywhere. You can also stay in the same hotel brands on the other side of the world.
“But what makes tourism – especially Fijian tourism – unique is our people and our warm hospitality. That is a fact. Our people are our greatest asset and even in the age of of tourism,” he technology, they will remain so.”
Multi-Property vice president Pacific Islands Marriott International Neeraj Chadha said the academy was established in 2021 under his leadership during the COVI-19 pandemic.
“The idea is to get talents, train them, Marriottise them, make them job-ready by providing them with eight weeks of rigorous theory and practical training. With these, we create a pool of job-ready talents,” Mr Chanda said.
“Employee journey has multiple pit stops; however, we at Marriott believe that the best resource that we can give our talents for their growth and development is through learning and development.”
Maria Talatoka, 21, of Tilaka, Kubulau, Bua, is part of the culinary team as a pastry chef.
“Over the past seven weeks, we were fortunate to be backed by a team of very motivated, dedicated, and qualified trainers. With their wealth of knowledge and experience, they have given us deep-rooted foundations in our various departments and fields of work.
“They have nurtured talents of which we perhaps had lost sight or didn’t even know we possessed. They stimulated us to think more critically and to act more compassionately.
She said she earned while working, so she could complete her Trade Diploma in Hotel Management and Hospitality from the Fiji National University (FNU).