The Youth Career Initiative engages international hotels to provide a five to six month education programme for high school graduates from disadvantaged backgrounds. The programme empowers young people with life and employment skills so that they may have opportunities and choices in their lives. Youth Career Initiative programmes are conducted by hotel management teams and combine both theory and practical instruction. The programme includes instruction in personal finance, interpersonal skills, and personal health and wellbeing. It also exposes participants to a successful business environment and a wide variety of workplace situations.

Each programme is tailored to suit the country and the needs of its youth. The aim is to give participants a chance to improve their long-term social and economic opportunities through professional education and experience. Through YCI, young people can enhance their potential, gain self-esteem and develop the ability to make informed decisions.