Marriott Launches Accelerate Programme to Fight Youth Unemployment in South Africa
APPLICATIONS FOR MARRIOTT’S ACCELERATE PROGRAMME CLOSE ON FEBRUARY 28, 2025. APPLY NOW TO BUILD A HOSPITALITY CAREER.
Marriott International is addressing South Africa’s youth unemployment crisis, which exceeds 45%, by opening applications for its Accelerate Programme 2025. This initiative equips youth aged 18 to 22 with skills, formal training, and industry experience to build careers in hospitality.
The programme begins with a one-year Orientation phase, offering hands-on experience across hotel departments or kitchen operations. Following this Accelerate Programme, participants join a three-year training programme that includes placements at various Marriott hotels, rotating through departments to master hotel operations. They also attend accredited hospitality or culinary schools, with all study costs covered by Marriott.
Commitment to Career Development
Graduates commit to at least one year of employment with Marriott after completing the programme. This ensures job placement and career growth. Participants also benefit from financial support, including a monthly stipend to ease living expenses during training.
Benjamin Memani, Marriott’s Area Director of Human Resources for Sub-Saharan Africa, highlights the impact: “Through the Accelerate Programme, we empower young South Africans with skills and strengthen our talent pipeline.”
Since acquiring Protea Hotels in 2014, Marriott has trained over 1,200 youth through the programme. 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.
How to Apply for Marriott’s Accelerate Programme
Fifty Orientation positions are available across South Africa. Eligible candidates who have completed Matric can apply by visiting the Marriott Careers Portal, searching for “Accelerate,” and filtering by South Africa. Applications for Accelerate Programme close on 28 February 2025. For details, email careers.emea@marriott.com.
About Marriott International
Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR) is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, USA. The company boasts a portfolio of around 9,000 properties, spanning over 30 renowned brands in 141 countries and territories. Marriott manages and franchises hotels globally and licenses vacation ownership resorts. It also offers Marriott Bonvoy®, its acclaimed travel rewards program.
