Marriott International reinforces its commitment to Türkiye with the launch of Gelişim Okulu, a unique vocational educational programme developed in response to a growing need to further enhance tourism education in the country. Created in partnership with TÜROB 50 Yil Meslek Ve Teknik Anadolu Lisesi, Gelişim Okulu is focused on providing the next generation of hospitality leaders in the country with practical skills training and the opportunity to launch successful careers in the industry.
Gelişim Okulu, which has received approval from the District Directorate of National Education, will commence its first edition with 60 students this September. The launch of the programme took place at The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul with all students.
Sandeep Walia, Chief Operating Officer, Middle East & Luxury, Europe, Middle East & Africa commented, “As a company, we remain committed to enhancing tourism education in Türkiye and developing the next wave of exciting and impactful local hospitality leaders in the country. Gelişim Okulu will equip young nationals with the skills and experience to thrive in the hospitality business and be part of the success of Türkiye’s travel and tourism sector. This is an important market for Marriott, and building a sustainable programme like Gelişim Okulu will be key for our current operations and future growth in this country.”
Gelişim Okulu is a four-year programme between Marriott International and TÜROB 50 Yil Meslek Ve Teknik Anadolu Lisesi, where students aged between 14 to 18 years will complete their studies for a high school diploma while receiving practical training across Marriott’s hotels in Istanbul. As part of the apprenticeship, students will have the option to specialise in Rooms or Food & Beverage Operations and will spend 6.5 months in their second and third year of the programme gaining firsthand experience at a hotel. Following the completion of the four-year programme, Marriott plans to offer graduates full-time roles within its properties in Türkiye.
Participating Marriott International hotels include, Istanbul Marriott Hotel Sisli, JW Istanbul Bosphorus, The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul, Sheraton Istanbul Levent, Sheraton Istanbul City Center, JW Istanbul Marmara Sea, W Istanbul, The St. Regis Istanbul and Le Meridien Istanbul Etiler.
Kazim Sener, Deputy Director of TÜROB 50 Yil Meslek Ve Teknik Anadolu Lisesi added, ““As a school, we have always remained committed to educating and training professionals to grow and succeed in the tourism industry. Following the endorsement of TÜROB, Turkiye’s leading industry authority, and our membership with the internationally renowned AEHT, we are now delighted further strengthen our position as an institute by working with Marriott International to immerse our students within the hospitality industry. This collaboration will offer them invaluable opportunities to advance their knowledge, skills, and career prospects within the sector. By gaining experience with a renowned group like Marriott, our students will not only benefit personally but also contribute positively to our school’s educational environment.”
Gelişim Okulu will be an integral part of Marriott International’s strategy in Turkiye, where the company’s current portfolio encompasses over 50 properties with more than 8,000 rooms across 20 brands. The programme also falls under Marriott International’s Sustainability and Social Impact Platform, Serve 360: Doing Good in Every Direction, which guides how the company makes a positive and sustainable impact wherever it does business. From empowerment opportunities to sustainable hotel development, the platform is designed to foster business growth while balancing the needs of associates, customers, owners, the environment and communities.
