How Nestlé and the Swiss Consulate in Nigeria are upskilling and creating job alternatives for Nigerian youth

For the thirteenth consecutive yr, Nestlé Nigeria has empowered greater than twenty younger Nigerians by the Technical Coaching program in its manufacturing facility at Agbara. The individuals acquired scholarships and coaching to realize the extremely acknowledged Metropolis & Guilds certifications. As well as, the highest 5 college students got the chance to conclude their coaching with an eight-week apprenticeship at two of Nestlé’s technical websites in Switzerland (Orbe and Broc). Geared up with their newly acquired expertise, the graduating batch are able to embark on their engineering careers with Nestlé in Nigeria.

The Nestlé Technical Coaching Program in Nigeria is a part of Nestlé’s world Wants YOUth initiative.  Its goal throughout the three centres in Agbara, Abaji and Flowergate is to boost the employability of younger Nigerians by offering them important expertise in Mechanical, Electrical, and Automation Engineering. The Agbara coaching centre is run in collaboration with the Swiss State Secretariat of Migration (SEM).

“Africa has the most important inhabitants of younger individuals globally, with 70% of sub-Saharan Africa beneath the age of 30,” commented Remy Ejel, Nestlé Government Vice President and Chief Government Officer for Zone Asia, Oceania, and Africa. “It’s essential to assist the youthful generations attain their full potential and assist financial development by providing alternatives for talent growth and employment. Nigeria is a vital nation to Nestlé. We’ve been there for greater than 60 years and are happy with our contributions to its growth. This partnership not solely helps meet the demand for expert labor in Nigeria but in addition helps the native financial system and aligns with Nestlé’s broader aims of enhancing youth employability.”

Since its inception in 2011, this system has acquired an amazing response, with a median of 10,000 purposes yearly. Annually, as much as 60 apprentices are chosen by a rigorous evaluation course of to make sure high quality coaching and customized consideration. This system contains 18 months of intensive theoretical and sensible coaching for individuals, who obtain certifications in stage 3, 4 and 5 of Metropolis & Guilds of London upon completion.

Dolapo Adedoyin Okunola, 25, is a program graduate aspiring to change into a Technical Supervisor. The spotlight of her expertise was collaborating in impactful initiatives aimed toward enhancing power effectivity and machine validations, whereas collaborating with a various and proficient crew. She additionally loved the chance to be taught fundamental French and discover the picturesque Swiss landscapes.  “The Nestlé Technical Coaching Program has considerably enhanced my skills and expanded not simply my expertise and tutorial data but in addition my experiences of various cultures and languages,” Dolapo defined. “The great coaching I acquired in Nigeria, mixed with my internship in Switzerland gives me a aggressive edge within the company world. I’m assured that this program has laid a robust basis for my profession.”

This system not solely enhances the technical expertise of proficient younger Nigerians but in addition fosters cultural understanding and data sharing between Switzerland and Nigeria.

His Excellency Osuobeni Rawlings Krobari, Chargé D’Affaires of Nigeria to Switzerland and Liechtenstein added: “I’m delighted to see this system’s success in enhancing the employability of younger individuals in Nigeria. A talented workforce is significant for our long-term development. I lengthen my heartfelt congratulations to the graduates on their achievements. I encourage them to view their new expertise as not solely a basis for his or her careers but in addition a chance to be ambassadors for his or her era, by sharing data and greatest practices with their friends.”

Thus far, this system has benefited near 230 trainee graduates, with 98% securing employment at Nestlé Nigeria. Nestlé and SEM collectively put money into this system, reflecting their dedication to supply extra financial alternatives to youth.

Ms. Valérie Gass, Coverage Advisor, State Secretariat for Migration SEM, mentioned: “This program was launched the identical yr because the migration partnership between Switzerland and Nigeria, which goals, amongst different issues, to create better financial alternatives domestically. This system is a wonderful instance of a profitable Swiss public-private partnership that successfully addresses challenges and creates significant alternatives. We take nice pleasure on this initiative and stay dedicated to supporting youth in Nigeria.”

The Nestlé Technical Coaching Program consists of three packages run by Nestlé Nigeria in its factories in Agbara, Flowergate, and Abaji. In 2024, a complete of 70 top-performing younger Nigerians from these packages accomplished apprenticeships. This initiative is only one instance of how Nestlé helps youth change into extra employable throughout Asia, Oceania, and Africa. Drawing inspiration from the Swiss twin schooling system to mix theoretical and sensible coaching, Nestlé goals to create a constructive impression within the nations the place it operates by leveraging world experience alongside native insights.

The worldwide Nestlé Wants YOUth program was launched in 2013 and goals to assist 10 million younger individuals world wide entry financial alternatives by 2030. As a part of this ambition, it goals to achieve greater than 5 million youth throughout Asia, Oceania and Africa.

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About Nestlé Nigeria

Nestlé Nigeria is a number one meals and beverage firm dedicated to unlocking the facility of meals to boost high quality of life for everybody immediately and for future generations. With a variety of merchandise, together with widespread manufacturers similar to NESTLÉ PURELIFE, GOLDEN MORN, MILO, MAGGI and NESCAFÉ, Nestlé Nigeria gives nutritious and scrumptious meals and drinks to customers throughout Nigeria.

Media Contact:

Victoria Uwadoka

Company Communications and Public Affairs Supervisor, Nestle Nigeria PLC

[email protected]

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