What is the Marriott International Youth Trainee Program 2026?
Marriott International is inviting young South Africans to jump into the world of hotels through its 2026 Youth Trainee Programs. If you’re looking for a job that teaches you real‑world skills, gives you a clear path to a career in hospitality, and lets you work in some of South Africa’s biggest cities, this is for you. The program has two main parts: a one‑year Orientation Trainee course and a three‑year Accelerate Program that follows it. Both focus on hands‑on work in hotels and give you a stronger chance of moving up within the company.
Program Details
1. Orientation Trainee (1 year)
Think of this as a test drive in the hotel industry. You will see how rooms are cleaned, food is prepared, staff is trained, and guests are welcomed. It’s a short but intense experience that helps you discover whether you want to become a manager or a cook. After this year, if you decide Marriott is the right fit, you can move into the longer Accelerate Program.
2. Accelerate Program (3 years)
After the Orientation year, you can join the three‑year career track. It splits into two fields: Hospitality Management or Professional Cookery. Every year, you’ll balance classroom learning with real work in the hotel. You’ll also learn about leadership, budgeting, and how to keep guests happy. By the end, you’ll be ready to take on a management role or a senior chef position.
All of this happens at either a Protea Hotel by Marriott or a Marriott‑branded hotel spread across the country.
Eligibility & Meeting the Minimum Requirements
| Requirement | What You Need |
|---|---|
| South African citizenship by birth | Yes, you must automatically be a South African citizen. |
| Age | 18–22 years old (you can’t turn 23 while applying). |
| Education | A Grade 12 diploma or an equivalent certificate. |
| Grade performance | You should have passed all 7 Grade 12 subjects, ideally at 50 % or higher. If your results are lower, the team will still review your application on a case‑by‑case basis. |
| Post‑Grade 12 qualifications | Applicants should not hold a post‑Grade 12 qualification (like a university degree or a NQF 4/NCV 4 diploma). These positions are aimed at fresh high‑school graduates. |
Where Will You Work?
The Youth Trainee Program has spots in nine locations:
- Johannesburg (O.R. Tambo International Airport) – Protea Hotel by Marriott
- Midrand – Protea Hotel by Marriott
- Cape Town (Sea Point) – Protea Hotel by Marriott
- Cape Town (Tyger Valley) – Protea Hotel by Marriott
- Cape Town (Waterfront) – AC Hotel by Marriott
- George, Western Cape – Protea Hotel by Marriott
- Cape Town (Crystal Towers) – Cape Town Marriott Hotel Crystal Towers
- Cape Town (Mowbray) – Protea Hotel by Marriott
- Mahikeng, North West – Protea Hotel by Marriott
These hotels give you a full view of the hotel business, from guest rooms to food services, and many of them are in busy city centres and popular tourist spots.
How to Apply
- Choose your city – Pick one of the locations above that interests you the most.
- Click the specific link – It will take you to that hotel’s job posting on Marriott’s careers site.
(For example, if you’re interested in Johannesburg, use Apply at Protea Hotel by Marriott O.R. Tambo Airport) - Create an account – If you don’t already have one, you’ll need to sign up.
- Complete the application – Upload your resume, answer the questions, and hit submit.
- Wait for a response – A recruiter may call you for an interview if your profile matches the role.
Because the deadline is not set, the sooner you apply the better. It’s a quick process.
Why This Program Is Worth Your Time
- Real work experience – Forget textbook learning; you will be in the hotel every day.
- Clear career path – The structure moves you from trainee to full‑time employee in a short time.
- Skill building – Beyond hospitality, you’ll learn teamwork, problem‑solving, and customer service.
- Network – You’ll meet managers, chefs, and other trainees from across the country.
- Internship to hiring – Many past trainees stayed with Marriott in permanent roles after the program.
If you’re 18–22, have a Grade 12 diploma, and want a job that teaches you more than just a job title, the Marriott Youth Trainee Program could be your next step. Check the links for your preferred location, apply, and start the journey to a vibrant career in hospitality.