ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-For the thirteenth consecutive year, Nestlé Nigeria has provided life-changing opportunities for young Nigerians through its Technical Training Program at the Agbara factory.
Over 20 participants received scholarships and comprehensive training, earning globally recognized City & Guilds certifications.
The top five graduates also gained international experience, completing an eight-week apprenticeship at Nestlé’s technical sites in Switzerland, further equipping them for engineering careers with Nestlé Nigeria.
The program, a part of Nestlé’s global Needs YOUth initiative, is designed to enhance the employability of young Nigerians by offering hands-on training in Mechanical, Electrical, and Automation Engineering.
Collaborating with the Swiss State Secretariat of Migration (SEM), the program exemplifies a successful public-private partnership addressing Nigeria’s demand for skilled labor while promoting economic growth.
Nestlé Executive Vice President and CEO for Zone Asia, Oceania, and Africa, Remy Ejel said “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. This program not only develops skilled labor but also strengthens Nigeria’s economy while aligning with Nestlé’s broader goals of enhancing youth employability.”
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Since its inception in 2011, the program has received an average of 10,000 applications annually, selecting up to 60 apprentices each year through a rigorous assessment process.
Participants undergo 18 months of intensive training, with 98% of the program’s 230 graduates securing employment at Nestlé Nigeria.
One of the graduates, 25-year-old Dolapo Adedoyin Okunola, shared her inspiring journey. “The Nestlé Technical Training Program has significantly enhanced my skills and broadened my experiences. The comprehensive training in Nigeria, combined with my internship in Switzerland, has given me a competitive edge in the corporate world,” she said.
The program’s impact extends beyond technical skills, fostering cultural understanding and international collaboration.
Nigeria’s Chargé d’Affaires to Switzerland and Liechtenstein, His Excellency Osuobeni Rawlings Krobari praised the initiative: “A skilled workforce is vital for Nigeria’s growth. I encourage the graduates to be ambassadors for their generation, sharing knowledge and best practices with their peers.”
The initiative is part of Nestlé’s global commitment to helping 10 million young people access economic opportunities by 2030 through the Needs YOUth program.
By combining the Swiss dual education model with local insights, Nestlé continues to empower youth and create positive change in the communities it serves.
Nestlé Nigeria operates training centers in Agbara, Abaji, and Flowergate, and in 2024, a record of 70 young Nigerians completed apprenticeships.