For the 13th consecutive year, Nestlé Nigeria has empowered young Nigerians through its Technical Training Program at the Agbara factory. In collaboration with the Swiss State Secretariat of Migration (SEM), the initiative aims to enhance youth employability by providing top-notch skills in Mechanical, Electrical, and Automation Engineering, aligning with the global Nestlé Needs YOUth program.
This year, over 20 participants received scholarships and training, earning City & Guilds certifications. The top five trainees were selected for an eight-week apprenticeship at Nestlé’s technical sites in Orbe and Broc, Switzerland. Equipped with advanced skills and cultural exposure, the graduates are prepared to launch their engineering careers with Nestlé Nigeria.
Speaking about the program’s significance, Remy Ejel, Nestlé’s Executive Vice President and CEO for Zone Asia, Oceania, and Africa, emphasized the importance of empowering Africa’s youth. “It is crucial to help younger generations reach their full potential and support economic growth by offering opportunities for skill development and employment,” he said. He noted that the initiative not only addresses the demand for skilled labor in Nigeria but also supports local economic growth.
The Technical Training Program has received widespread acclaim since its inception in 2011, with approximately 10,000 applications annually. Each year, up to 60 apprentices are selected through a rigorous process, undergoing 18 months of theoretical and practical training. To date, close to 230 graduates have completed the program, with 98% securing employment at Nestlé Nigeria.
Graduates like 25-year-old Dolapo Adedoyin Okunola praised the program for its impact on her career aspirations. “The training significantly enhanced my skills, academic knowledge, and cultural experiences,” she said, adding that her internship in Switzerland gave her a competitive edge in the corporate world.
The program also fosters international collaboration and cultural understanding between Nigeria and Switzerland. Ms. Valérie Gass, Policy Advisor at SEM, highlighted the program’s role in creating economic opportunities locally and lauded it as a model for successful Swiss public-private partnerships.
His Excellency Osuobeni Rawlings Krobari, Nigeria’s Chargé D’Affaires to Switzerland and Liechtenstein, celebrated the program’s achievements and encouraged graduates to become ambassadors for their generation by sharing their skills and best practices with peers.
Nestlé Nigeria and SEM’s joint investment in the initiative underscores their commitment to youth empowerment, economic growth, and sustainability. By combining the Swiss dual education system with local insights, the program continues to make a significant impact, preparing Nigerian youth for bright futures while advancing the broader goals of the global Nestlé Needs YOUth program.
Nestlé Nigeria’s Technical Training Program is part of its mission to unlock the power of food to enhance the quality of life for everyone today and for generations to come.