By JKNewsMedia
NESTLÉ Nigeria announces its continued commitment to empowering the country’s youth by training over 20 of them in engineering skills through its Technical Training Programme, held at the Agbara factory.
This marks the 13th year the company has implemented this programme, which provides participants with mechanical, electrical, and automation engineering skills.
Upon completion, they receive prestigious certifications from City & Guilds of London, one of the world’s leading awarding bodies for vocational education.
The programme spans 18 months, offering participants a combination of theoretical education and practical, hands-on experience.
Moreover, graduates gain proficiency in key engineering disciplines, preparing them for careers in various sectors, particularly manufacturing and industrial services.
Also, the programme aims to meet the growing demand for skilled labour within Nigeria, a crucial component of the country’s economic development.
This year, in addition to the training offered in Nigeria, five of the most outstanding students were selected for an exclusive opportunity.
They will spend eight weeks in Switzerland, where they will undertake an apprenticeship at Nestlé’s state-of-the-art technical facilities in Orbe and Broc.
The Swiss apprenticeship also offers them valuable international exposure and practical knowledge, further enhancing their credentials in the engineering field.
However, the selection of these top students is based on their performance throughout the programme, and the opportunity in Switzerland is seen as a significant step toward launching their professional careers.
Nestlé Nigeria’s Technical Training Programme is a vital part of the company’s broader Nestlé Needs YOUth initiative, which aims to enhance youth employability and create economic opportunities for young people globally.
Since the programme began in 2011, it has attracted over 10,000 applications annually, highlighting the high demand for such opportunities.
Each year, approximately 60 apprentices are selected to undergo the training.
Of those who graduate, 98% secure employment at Nestlé Nigeria, showcasing the programme’s success in providing sustainable career pathways for its participants.
In 2024, the programme hosted its annual intake in collaboration with the Swiss State Secretariat for Migration (SEM).
It operates across Nestlé’s training centres in Agbara, Abaji, and Flowergate.
The curriculum spans various areas of engineering, and the certifications awarded range from City & Guilds levels 3 to 5, providing graduates with qualifications recognised both nationally and internationally.
Remy Ejel, Nestlé’s Executive Vice President and CEO for Zone Asia, Oceania, and Africa, spoke about the importance of initiatives like the Technical Training Programme in Africa’s youth-driven economic development.
“Africa has the largest youth population globally, and helping young people reach their potential is critical for economic growth.
This programme not only supports the demand for skilled labour in Nigeria but also aligns with our broader goal of enhancing youth employability,” Ejel said.
One of the notable graduates this year, 25-year-old Dolapo Adedoyin Okunola, shared her experience of how the program helped shape her professional aspirations.
“The Nestlé Technical Training Programme significantly enhanced my skills, academic knowledge, and cultural experiences.
“The training in Nigeria, combined with my internship in Switzerland, gives me a competitive edge in the corporate world,” said Dolapo.
During her time in Switzerland, Dolapo worked on projects that focused on improving energy efficiency and machine validation.
She collaborated with diverse teams from various countries, gaining valuable insights into global industry practices.
Dolapo also aspires to rise to the role of Technical Manager within Nestlé Nigeria, confident that the training she has received will serve as a foundation for her future career.
Her experience is a testament to the programme’s real-world impact on shaping future leaders in the engineering sector.
Moreover, the Technical Training Programme also fosters cross-cultural exchange and knowledge sharing.
His Excellency Osuobeni Rawlings Krobari, Chargé D’Affaires of Nigeria to Switzerland and Liechtenstein, acknowledged the value of such partnerships.
“A skilled workforce is vital for long-term growth. I commend the graduates and urge them to use their new skills as a foundation for their careers and as a means to share knowledge with their peers,” Krobari said.
Ms. Valérie Gass, Policy Advisor at SEM, highlighted the significance of the programme within the broader context of migration partnerships between Switzerland and Nigeria.
“This programme exemplifies a successful Swiss public-private partnership that addresses challenges and creates opportunities. We are proud of its impact and remain committed to supporting youth in Nigeria,” she added.
Nestlé’s commitment to empowering youth extends beyond the borders of Nigeria.
Through its Nestlé Needs YOUth programme, the company aims to create economic opportunities for 10 million young people globally by 2030, with a significant focus on Asia, Oceania, and Africa.
The programme draws inspiration from Switzerland’s renowned dual-education system, combining global expertise with local insights to create positive change.
As part of this global initiative, 70 young Nigerians completed apprenticeships through Nestlé’s training programmes in 2024.
Moreover, these initiatives underscore Nestlé’s dedication to fostering the next generation of skilled professionals and contributing to Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
With such training opportunities, Nestlé Nigeria is playing a crucial role in empowering youth to succeed in an increasingly competitive global job market.
