Universal Foundation, Villa College Renew Partnership to Expand Discover Hospitality Programme

Universal Foundation and Villa College have renewed their partnership to continue the Discover Hospitality Programme in 2026, marking the launch of new training cohorts aimed at developing industry-ready talent for the Maldives’ tourism sector.

The Memorandum of Agreement was signed on 2 April 2026 by Universal Foundation President Iyaz Waheed and Villa College Vice Rector Dr. Ali Najeeb, reaffirming collaboration between academia and industry to strengthen workforce development in hospitality.

Under the renewed agreement, the eighth batch of Discover Hospitality (Operations) and the third batch of Discover Hospitality (Culinary) are scheduled to commence on 1 June 2026.

Launched in 2017, the Discover Hospitality Programme has trained over 200 students to date, positioning itself as a key pipeline for entry into the country’s tourism and hospitality industry. The seventh batch completed the programme at the end of 2025 and is currently awaiting graduation.

The programme’s scope was expanded in 2024 with the introduction of the Culinary CIII Certificate, enabling participants to pursue specialised culinary pathways alongside operational training. Since its inception, the initiative has delivered training to seven batches in operations and two batches in culinary, reflecting sustained demand for structured internship-based learning opportunities.

Participants undertake theory classes at Villa College, followed by a three-month internship at properties managed by Versa Hospitality, providing hands-on experience aligned with industry standards. All programme costs are covered by Universal Foundation, while participants receive an allowance during their internship.

The initiative highlights a continued push to align education with industry requirements, ensuring graduates are equipped with practical skills and exposure needed to enter the workforce. By combining classroom instruction with real-world training, the programme aims to address skills gaps while supporting youth employment in a sector that remains central to the Maldivian economy.

Applications for the 2026 intake are now open, with a deadline set for 10 May 2026.

The continuation of the programme underscores ongoing efforts by both institutions to expand access to career pathways in hospitality and contribute to the development of a skilled local workforce capable of supporting the industry’s long-term growth.