For the thirteenth consecutive year, Nestlé has recognized and celebrated the achievements of 20 young Nigerians who successfully completed their Technical Training Program in Agbara. These graduates were awarded the prestigious City & Guilds certifications, a globally recognized qualification that enhances their employability. Among the graduates, the top five students were granted a unique opportunity to complete their training with an eight-week apprenticeship at two of Nestlé’s technical sites in Switzerland, located in Orbe and Broc. Armed with these new skills and experiences, the graduates are now prepared to launch their engineering careers with Nestlé in Nigeria.
The Nestlé Technical Training Program in Agbara is an integral part of the company’s global Nestlé Needs YOUth initiative. This program, in partnership with the Swiss State Secretariat of Migration (SEM), aims to enhance the employability of young Nigerians by equipping them with vital skills in Mechanical, Electrical, and Automation Engineering. By addressing the growing need for skilled labor in Nigeria, the program simultaneously contributes to the local economy and aligns with Nestlé’s overarching goals of fostering youth empowerment and economic growth.
Remy Ejel, Nestlé Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer for Zone Asia, Oceania, and Africa, highlighted the importance of this initiative. “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 these younger generations reach their full potential and support economic growth by offering opportunities for skill development and employment. Nigeria is an important country to Nestlé. We’ve been there for more than 60 years and are proud of our contributions to its development. This partnership not only helps meet the demand for skilled labor in Nigeria but also supports the local economy and aligns with Nestlé’s broader objectives of enhancing youth employability.”
Since its inception in 2011, the Technical Training Program has witnessed immense interest, with an average of 10,000 applications received annually. Following a rigorous selection process, up to 20 apprentices are chosen each year to undergo 18 months of intensive theoretical and practical training at a dedicated learning center within Nestlé’s Agbara factory. The program ensures personalized attention and comprehensive training, enabling participants to develop expertise that meets global standards.
One of the recent graduates, 25-year-old Dolapo Adedoyin Okunola, shared her transformative experience. Aspiring to become a Technical Manager, Dolapo highlighted her involvement in impactful projects aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and machine validations. She worked alongside a diverse and talented team, gaining invaluable insights. Additionally, her internship in Switzerland allowed her to explore the picturesque landscapes and acquire basic French language skills. “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,” Dolapo said. “The comprehensive training I received in Nigeria, combined with my internship in Switzerland, provides me a competitive edge in the corporate world. I am confident that this program has laid a strong foundation for my career.”
Beyond its technical focus, the program fosters cultural exchange and knowledge sharing between Switzerland and Nigeria. His Excellency Osuobeni Rawlings Krobari, Chargé D’Affaires of Nigeria to Switzerland and Liechtenstein, praised the program for its contributions to Nigeria’s development. “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 extend my heartfelt congratulations to the graduates on their achievements. 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.”
To date, nearly 230 trainees have graduated from the program, with an impressive 98% securing employment at Nestlé Nigeria. This remarkable success rate underscores the program’s effectiveness in bridging the skills gap and creating sustainable career opportunities for Nigerian youth. The initiative is jointly funded by Nestlé and SEM, reflecting their shared commitment to fostering economic empowerment and social impact.
Valérie Gass, Policy Advisor at the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM), emphasized the program’s alignment with the broader goals of the migration partnership between Switzerland and Nigeria. “This program was launched the same year as the migration partnership between Switzerland and Nigeria, which, among other things, aims 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. We take great pride in this initiative and remain committed to supporting youth in Nigeria.”
Nestlé’s efforts to enhance youth employability extend beyond Nigeria, spanning Asia, Oceania, and Africa. Drawing inspiration from Switzerland’s dual education system, which integrates theoretical and practical training, Nestlé leverages its global expertise and local insights to create a positive impact in the communities where it operates. By empowering young people with the skills they need to succeed, Nestlé continues to play a pivotal role in driving economic growth and fostering a more inclusive future.
