How Nestlé and the Swiss Confederation are upskilling and creating job opportunities for Nigerian youth
For the thirteenth consecutive year, Nestlé awarded twenty young Nigerians who completed their Technical training program in Agbara with highly recognized City & Guilds certifications. In addition, the top five students were given the opportunity to conclude their training with an eight-week apprenticeship at two of Nestlé’s technical sites in Switzerland (Orbe and Broc). Equipped with their newly acquired skills, the graduating batch are ready to embark on their engineering careers with Nestlé in Nigeria.
Nestlé
The Nestlé Technical Training Program in Agbara, Nigeria, is part of Nestlé’s global Needs YOUth initiative and a collaboration with the Swiss State Secretariat of Migration (SEM). Its objective is to enhance the employability of young Nigerians by providing them essential skills in Mechanical, Electrical, and Automation Engineering.
"Africa has the largest population of young people globally, with 70% of sub-Saharan Africa under the age of 30," commented Remy Ejel, Nestlé Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer for Zone Asia, Oceania, and Africa. "It is crucial to help these younger generations reach their full potential and support economic growth by offering opportunities for skill development and employment. Nigeria is an important country to Nestlé. We’ve been there for more than 60 years and are proud of our contributions to its development. This partnership not only helps meet the demand for skilled labor in Nigeria but also supports the local economy and aligns with Nestlé's broader objectives of enhancing youth employability."
Since its inception in 2011, the program has received an overwhelming response, with an average of 10,000 applications annually. Each year, up to 20 apprentices are selected through a rigorous assessment process to ensure quality training and personalized attention. The program includes 18 months of intensive theoretical and practical training at a dedicated learning centre in Nestlé’s Agbara factory.
Dolapo Adedoyin Okunola, 25, is a program graduate aspiring to become a Technical Manager. The highlight of her experience was participating in impactful projects aimed at improving energy efficiency and machine validations, while collaborating with a diverse and talented team. She also enjoyed the opportunity to learn basic French and explore the picturesque Swiss landscapes. "The Nestlé Technical Training Program has significantly enhanced my abilities and expanded not just my skills and academic knowledge but also my experiences of different cultures and languages," Dolapo explained. "The comprehensive training I received in Nigeria, combined with my internship in Switzerland, provides me a competitive edge in the corporate world. I am confident that this program has laid a strong foundation for my career."
The program not only enhances the technical skills of talented young Nigerians but also fosters cultural understanding and knowledge sharing between Switzerland and Nigeria.
His Excellency Osuobeni Rawlings Krobari, Chargé D’Affaires of Nigeria to Switzerland and Liechtenstein added: "I am delighted to see the program’s success in enhancing the employability of young people in Nigeria. A skilled workforce is vital for our long-term growth. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the graduates on their achievements. I encourage them to view their new skills as not only a foundation for their careers but also an opportunity to be ambassadors for their generation, by sharing knowledge and best practices with their peers."
To date, the program has benefited close to 230 trainee graduates, with 98% securing employment at Nestlé Nigeria. Nestlé and SEM jointly invest in the program, reflecting their commitment to provide more economic opportunities to youth.
Ms. Valérie Gass, Policy Advisor, State Secretariat for Migration SEM, said: "This program was launched the same year as the migration partnership between Switzerland and Nigeria, which, among other things, aims to create greater economic opportunities locally. The program is an excellent example of a successful Swiss public-private partnership that effectively addresses challenges and creates meaningful opportunities. We take great pride in this initiative and remain committed to supporting youth in Nigeria."
This program is just one example of how Nestlé is helping youth become more employable across Asia, Oceania, and Africa. Drawing inspiration from the Swiss dual education system to combine theoretical and practical training, Nestlé aims to create a positive impact in the countries where it operates by leveraging global expertise alongside local insights.
The global Nestlé Needs YOUth program was launched in 2013 and aims to help 10 million young people around the world access economic opportunities by 2030. As part of this ambition, it aims to reach more than 5 million youth across Asia, Oceania and Africa.
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