Marriott International is hiring young people for its 2026 Youth Trainee Programs in South Africa. If you’re a South African between 18 and 22 years old who loves working with people and wants to learn how hotels and restaurants run, this could be a great fit. You’ll get hands‑on work in a real hotel, learn from experienced staff, and build a career that could take you around the world.
Where to look: Applications are open in Johannesburg, Cape Town (Tyger Valley and Waterfront), and George. You can find the specific postings below and click the links to apply directly.
What the Accelerate Programs Are All About
Marriott’s “Accelerate” series has two main paths. Both give you real job experience and help you decide if this is the right career for you.
1. One‑Year Orientation Trainee Program
This year‑long course is designed to let you work in a hotel while you learn the basics of hospitality. You’ll see how every part of a hotel team works together—from front‑desk to housekeeping to kitchen. The main goals are:
- Learn what it’s like to work in a hotel setting.
- Get a feel for the everyday tasks and expectations of hotel staff.
- Figure out whether you want to stay in this field for the long term.
Keep in mind: finishing this Orientation Program is a must before you can move on to the next step.
2. Three‑Year Accelerate Program
After you finish the orientation, you can join the full three‑year program. It focuses on two career tracks: Hospitality Management or Professional Cookery. The training combines:
- Workplace practice in real hotels and restaurants.
- Formal classroom lessons to fill gaps in knowledge.
- Long‑term career planning and skill building.
It is made for South African youth who want to grow their skills and secure steady jobs in the fast‑growing hospitality sector.
Who Should Apply?
This program is for people who:
- Love helping others and are excited about the hospitality industry.
- Prefer learning by doing rather than only studying in a classroom.
- Want a long‑term career that could start in a hotel, move into tourism, or take them into professional cooking.
Minimum Requirements
- South African citizen by birth.
- Between 18 and 22 years old (you must not be older than 22 during the application year).
- Have a Grade 12 (Matric) certificate or equivalent.
- Have passed all seven Matric subjects, ideally with at least 50% in each.
- If you don’t meet the full Matric marks, your application may still be considered on a case‑by‑case basis.
- Don’t have any post‑Matric qualifications, such as NQF Level 4 or NCV Level 4 courses.
Why This Program Might Be Right for You
- You’ll work with a globally recognised hotel brand that can open doors worldwide.
- You’ll receive clear guidance and support from experienced mentors.
- The program lays a strong base for a career in hospitality or professional cooking.
- It can boost your chances of getting good jobs in South Africa and abroad.
How to Apply
Below are the links for each location. Click the “Apply” text to start your application.
Johannesburg, Gauteng – Protea Hotel by Marriott O.R. Tambo International Airport – Apply here for the Orientation Trainee role.
Cape Town, Tyger Valley – Protea Hotel by Marriott Tyger Valley – Apply here for the Orientation Trainee role.
Cape Town, Waterfront – AC Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Waterfront – Apply here for the Orientation Trainee role.
George, Western Cape – Protea Hotel by Marriott George King George – Apply here for the Orientation Trainee role.
Apply now and start a future that could take you from a hotel front desk to a manager in a global brand. Good luck!