Marriott International is inviting eligible young South Africans to apply for the Youth Trainee Programmes 2026, specifically the Accelerate Orientation Trainee Programme, which serves as the entry pathway into the prestigious 3-Year Accelerate Programme.These programmes are designed to develop future leaders in the hospitality industry by providing structured, hands-on workplace experience combined with formal development opportunities within Marriott International hotels across South Africa.
1. Accelerate Orientation Trainee Programme (1 Year)
- A one-year, full-time orientation programme.
- Designed to provide practical hotel working experience.
- Acts as a prerequisite for entry into the 3-year Accelerate Programme.
- Helps candidates gain a realistic understanding of the hospitality industry and assess career suitability before long-term commitment.
2. Accelerate Programme (3 Years)
- A youth development programme in Hospitality Management, or Professional Cookery
- Spans over a period of three years.
- Focuses on both practical workplace training and formal academic development.
- Aims to build a strong foundation for long-term careers within the hospitality sector.
- Specifically targeted at South African nationals to grow skills and engagement in the industry.
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Must be a South African citizen by birth
- Must be between 18 and 22 years old, and not turn older than 22 in the year of application
- Must hold a Matric (Grade 12) certificate or equivalent qualification
- Must have passed all 7 Matric subjects
- Preferably with 50% or higher in each subject
- Applicants who do not fully meet Matric requirements may be considered on a case-by-case basis
- Must not have any post-Matric qualifications (NQF Level 4 / NCV Level 4 or higher)
Gauteng
- Protea Hotel by Marriott O.R. Tambo International Airport – Johannesburg
- Protea Hotel by Marriott Midrand – Midrand
Western Cape
- Protea Hotel by Marriott Sea Point – Cape Town
- Protea Hotel by Marriott Tyger Valley – Cape Town
- Cape Town Marriott Hotel Crystal Towers
- AC Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Waterfront
- Protea Hotel by Marriott Mowbray – Cape Town
Eastern Cape / Western Cape
-
Protea Hotel by Marriott George King George – George
North West
-
Protea Hotel by Marriott Mahikeng – Mahikeng
- Gain real-world hospitality experience with a global brand
- Structured career development and mentorship
- Exposure to international service standards
- A strong foundation for long-term career growth in hospitality
Interested candidates must apply online using the official application links provided by Marriott International for each listed location.
Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng
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Location: Midrand, Gauteng
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Location: Cape Town, Sea Point
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Location: Cape Town, Tyger Valley
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Location: Cape Town, Waterfront
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Location: George WC, South Africa
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Location: Cape Town, Marriott Hotel Crystal Towers
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Location: AC Hotel Cape Town Waterfront
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Location: Cape Town, Mowbray
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Location: Mahikeng NW, South Africa
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NB: Only applications submitted through the provided links will be considered.
