Marriott International has opened applications for its 2026 Youth Trainee Programmes, offering passionate young South Africans a pathway into the global hospitality industry. The initiative is designed to provide practical work experience, professional growth, and career readiness across Marriott’s leading hotel brands.
Two Exclusive Programmes
Marriott International offers two structured training pathways aimed at developing future leaders in the hospitality sector:
- Accelerate Orientation Trainee Programme
- Three-Year Accelerate Programme
Both programmes are built to combine practical learning with academic development, giving participants the skills and confidence to excel in hospitality management or professional cookery.
1. Accelerate Orientation Trainee Programme
- The Accelerate Orientation Trainee Programme runs for one year and provides participants with hands-on work experience in hotel operations. The orientation phase allows candidates to gain real-world exposure, assess their interest in the field, and determine their readiness for a long-term career in hospitality.
- Completing this one-year orientation is a prerequisite for entering the three-year Accelerate Programme, as it helps candidates confirm their commitment to the industry before pursuing further specialisation.
2. Three-Year Accelerate Programme
- The three-year Accelerate Programme is a youth development initiative focused on either hospitality management or professional cookery. Open exclusively to South African nationals, this programme aims to nurture passion and leadership in hospitality through structured training, mentorship, and academic learning.
- Participants will engage in a blend of classroom instruction and on-the-job training, designed to enhance professional competence and personal growth. The ultimate goal of the programme is to prepare graduates for successful long-term careers in hotel management and culinary excellence.
Requirements
To qualify for the Marriott Youth Trainee Programme, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a South African citizen by birth
- Be between 18 and 22 years old (not turning older than 22 in the application year)
- Hold a Matric (Grade 12) certificate or equivalent qualification
- Have passed all seven Matric subjects, with at least 50% or higher in each
- Not possess any post-Matric qualifications (NQF 4 / NCV 4)
- Candidates with marginal results will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis
Programme Locations
The Accelerate Orientation Management Trainee opportunities are available at several Marriott and Protea Hotel properties across South Africa, including:
- Protea Hotel by Marriott O.R. Tambo International Airport – Johannesburg, Gauteng: Apply Here
- Protea Hotel by Marriott Midrand – Midrand, Gauteng: Apply Here
- Protea Hotel by Marriott Sea Point – Cape Town: Apply Here
- Protea Hotel by Marriott Tyger Valley – Cape Town: Apply Here
- Protea Hotel by Marriott King George – George, Western Cape: Apply Here
- Cape Town Marriott Hotel Crystal Towers – Century City, Cape Town: Apply Here
- AC Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Waterfront – Cape Town: Apply Here
- Protea Hotel by Marriott Mowbray – Cape Town: Apply Here
- Protea Hotel by Marriott Mahikeng – North West: Apply Here
How to Apply
Interested applicants can apply via the official Marriott International Careers portal or through the job listing. Ensure that your application includes your updated CV, a copy of your ID, and certified Matric results.
- Closing date: Applications for the 2026 intake are currently open. Candidates are encouraged to apply early to secure placement.
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Marriott International is one of the world’s leading hospitality brands, with a reputation for excellence and innovation. The Youth Trainee Programmes are designed to open doors for young South Africans eager to build meaningful careers in hotel management, guest relations, and culinary arts.
By joining Marriott, participants become part of a global network of professionals dedicated to service excellence and lifelong learning.