By Oyinkansayo Wole-Bodunde.
Nestlé Nigeria’s Technical Training Program has achieved a milestone, empowering over 20 young Nigerians for the 13th consecutive year.
The program, held at Nestlé’s Agbara factory, provides scholarships and training, leading to prestigious City & Guilds certifications.
This year’s top five students were awarded an eight-week apprenticeship at Nestlé’s technical sites in Switzerland. The program is part of Nestlé’s global Needs YOUth initiative, aiming to enhance youth employability in Nigeria.
The Agbara training center is run in collaboration with the Swiss State Secretariat of Migration (SEM). Remy Ejel, Nestlé Executive Vice President and CEO for Zone Asia, Oceania, and Africa, emphasized the importance of supporting young generations in reaching their full potential.
“Africa has the largest population of young people globally, with 70% of sub-Saharan Africa under the age of 30. It is crucial to help the younger generations reach their full potential and support economic growth by offering opportunities for skill development and employment,” Ejel said.
Since its inception in 2011, the program has received over 10,000 applications annually, with up to 60 apprentices selected each year. The 18-month program includes intensive theoretical and practical training, leading to City & Guilds certifications.
Dolapo Adedoyin Okunola, a 25-year-old program graduate, aspirations to become a Technical Manager. She highlighted the program’s impact on her skills and knowledge.
“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,” Okunola said.
The program fosters cultural understanding and knowledge sharing between Switzerland and Nigeria. His Excellency Osuobeni Rawlings Krobari, Chargé D’Affaires of Nigeria to Switzerland and Liechtenstein, congratulated the graduates on their achievements.
“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 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,” Krobari said.
To date, the program has benefited nearly 230 trainee graduates, with 98% securing employment at Nestlé Nigeria. Nestlé and SEM jointly invest in the program, demonstrating their commitment to providing economic opportunities to youth.
Ms. Valérie Gass, Policy Advisor, State Secretariat for Migration SEM, emphasized the program’s success.
“This program was launched the same year as the migration partnership between Switzerland and Nigeria, which aims, among other things, 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,” Gass said.
The Nestlé Technical Training Program is part of Nestlé’s global efforts to enhance youth employability. The company aims to help 10 million young people access economic opportunities by 2030, with a focus on Asia, Oceania, and Africa.
