Nestlé and Swiss Confederation Empower Nigerian Youth with Technical Skills and Job Opportunities
Source: DairyNews.today
Nestlé, in partnership with the Swiss Confederation, continues to upskill Nigerian youth through its Technical Training Program in Agbara, a flagship initiative aimed at fostering employment and economic growth. For the 13th consecutive year, 20 young Nigerians graduated from the program, earning globally recognized City & Guilds certifications.
The program’s top five graduates were awarded an eight-week apprenticeship at Nestlé’s technical sites in Switzerland, gaining international exposure and advanced technical insights. Armed with new skills in Mechanical, Electrical, and Automation Engineering, the graduates are set to launch their careers at Nestlé Nigeria.
A Pillar of Youth Empowerment
The training program, part of Nestlé’s global Needs YOUth initiative, is conducted in collaboration with Switzerland’s State Secretariat for Migration (SEM). It aims to enhance the employability of Nigeria’s youth, a demographic where 70% of sub-Saharan Africa’s population is under 30.
"Africa’s youthful population is its greatest asset," said Remy Ejel, Nestlé Executive Vice President and CEO for Zone Asia, Oceania, and Africa. "By equipping them with skills, we’re not just supporting their individual aspirations but also contributing to broader economic development."
Rigorous Training for Real-World Impact
Launched in 2011, the program attracts around 10,000 applications annually, with 20 apprentices selected through a competitive process. Over 18 months, trainees receive intensive theoretical and practical training at Nestlé’s dedicated facility in Agbara.
Dolapo Adedoyin Okunola, a 25-year-old graduate of the program, described the experience as transformative. "The program not only enhanced my technical skills but broadened my horizons through cultural exchanges and advanced training in Switzerland," she said.
A Model of Public-Private Partnership
Since its inception, the initiative has trained nearly 230 young Nigerians, with 98% securing roles at Nestlé Nigeria. The program exemplifies a successful Swiss public-private partnership, addressing local workforce challenges while fostering international collaboration.
“This program embodies the essence of our migration partnership with Nigeria—creating meaningful economic opportunities,” said Valérie Gass, Policy Advisor at SEM.
His Excellency Osuobeni Rawlings Krobari, Chargé D’Affaires of Nigeria to Switzerland, praised the program’s impact: "A skilled workforce is essential for Nigeria’s growth. These graduates are not just beneficiaries but ambassadors for their generation."
Scaling Global Youth Empowerment
The initiative draws inspiration from Switzerland’s dual education system, blending theoretical learning with hands-on training. It also aligns with Nestlé’s broader ambition to empower 10 million youth worldwide through the Needs YOUth program by 2030, with a focus on Asia, Oceania, and Africa.
“Nestlé has been part of Nigeria’s development for over 60 years, and this program exemplifies our commitment to building sustainable, competitive economies,” said Ejel.с
A Pillar of Youth Empowerment
The training program, part of Nestlé’s global Needs YOUth initiative, is conducted in collaboration with Switzerland’s State Secretariat for Migration (SEM). It aims to enhance the employability of Nigeria’s youth, a demographic where 70% of sub-Saharan Africa’s population is under 30.
"Africa’s youthful population is its greatest asset," said Remy Ejel, Nestlé Executive Vice President and CEO for Zone Asia, Oceania, and Africa. "By equipping them with skills, we’re not just supporting their individual aspirations but also contributing to broader economic development."
Rigorous Training for Real-World Impact
Launched in 2011, the program attracts around 10,000 applications annually, with 20 apprentices selected through a competitive process. Over 18 months, trainees receive intensive theoretical and practical training at Nestlé’s dedicated facility in Agbara.
Dolapo Adedoyin Okunola, a 25-year-old graduate of the program, described the experience as transformative. "The program not only enhanced my technical skills but broadened my horizons through cultural exchanges and advanced training in Switzerland," she said.
A Model of Public-Private Partnership
Since its inception, the initiative has trained nearly 230 young Nigerians, with 98% securing roles at Nestlé Nigeria. The program exemplifies a successful Swiss public-private partnership, addressing local workforce challenges while fostering international collaboration.
“This program embodies the essence of our migration partnership with Nigeria—creating meaningful economic opportunities,” said Valérie Gass, Policy Advisor at SEM.
His Excellency Osuobeni Rawlings Krobari, Chargé D’Affaires of Nigeria to Switzerland, praised the program’s impact: "A skilled workforce is essential for Nigeria’s growth. These graduates are not just beneficiaries but ambassadors for their generation."
Scaling Global Youth Empowerment
The initiative draws inspiration from Switzerland’s dual education system, blending theoretical learning with hands-on training. It also aligns with Nestlé’s broader ambition to empower 10 million youth worldwide through the Needs YOUth program by 2030, with a focus on Asia, Oceania, and Africa.
“Nestlé has been part of Nigeria’s development for over 60 years, and this program exemplifies our commitment to building sustainable, competitive economies,” said Ejel.с
