Marriott to run graduate management development scheme despite downturn

Marriott is to run its graduate management development programme again for 2009, despite the global economic downturn.

The international hotel chain will run the 24-month programme in the UK, Ireland, Middle East and Africa in a bid to attract new talent into its business.

The programme, known as Voyage, will be delivered by recruitment firm Hospitality Graduate Recruitment, a partnership now into its third year, according to Personnel Today's sister title Caterer and Hotelkeeper.

Marriott's commitment comes after rival Hilton put its fast-track development programme Elevator on hold, with recruitment experts warning that the job market was slowing as the hospitality industry faced up to a tough year ahead.

Matthew Ruck, director of talent acquisition at Marriott, said: "Our strategy is to secure the best hospitality leadership talent in the industry and deliver a world-class graduate management development programme, offering a strong platform to develop graduates into leadership positions."