Nestlé Nigeria Reiterates Commitment to Equip Youth with Employability Skills
Graduating students of the Technical Training Center during the graduation ceremony
Nestlé Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to helping equip young people with the employability skills required to find gainful employment or create their own businesses.
The company achieves this under its Nestlé Needs Youth initiative aimed at helping young people access economic opportunities. Through Nestlé Needs Youth, the company provides the training and resources young people need to improve their employability and nurture their entrepreneurial talent. The
Technical Training Programme is one of the ways the company helps young school leavers build the skills required to find gainful employment.
Since 2011, Nestlé Nigeria has invested in building technical skills in machining, mechanical fitting operations, electrical operations, instrumentation operations and automation at the Technical Training Centre located in Agbara. In 2017, the company set up the second Technical Training Centre in Abaji to reach those closest to the company’s operations with the 18-month multi-skilled, vocational training program which prepares the beneficiaries for the prestigious London City and Guilds technical certification.
So far, over 120 students have benefitted from the program with over 90% of them directly employed by Nestlé Nigeria.
The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) and Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) joined forces with Nestlé Nigeria in 2019 to extend the reach of the Abaji Technical Training Centre.
L-R: Wassim Elhusseini, MD/CEO Nestlé Nigeria; Oluwakemi Areola, Representative of the Minister of Youth and Sports Development; Theresa Olaogun, Representative of the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment and Engr. Martins Adeleke, Representing City and Guilds.
Speaking at the batch two graduation ceremony of Nestlé Technical Training Centre, Abaji, the Managing Director, Nestlé Nigeria, Mr Wassim Elhusseini said, “Nestlé Nigeria remains committed to equipping students with all the necessary technical skills to succeed in the world of work through the Technical Training programme. We believe that young people have a key role to play in building thriving, resilient communities. This is why we are passionate about helping our youth to build the capabilities and skills to find fulfilling jobs, or create their own businesses.”
“The technical training program is one of the ways Nestlé creates shared value in the communities where we operate. Together with our partners such as the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) and Industririal Training Fund (ITF), we continue to build strong communities by improving livelihoods, thereby enhancing the quality of life for everyone today and for generations to come. So today, we are happy to note that 100% of the participants have completed the program successfully.” Mr Wassim Elhusseini added.
In his address, the Director General, Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), Dr Timothy Olawale said, “We are happy to celebrate the batch two trainees from the Technical Training Centre here in Abaji. We are confident that they have acquired the much needed technical skills to support the industrialization of our great nation. Through the Technical Training Centre, and with the support of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), we will continue to expand to reach more youth in order to help reduce the burden of unemployment while creating a pipeline of skilled technicians for businesses and for the industry at large.”
Recounting his experience within the past 18 months, Joseph Blessing Adeola, one of the trainees said, “In the journey of this training, I performed so many practical sessions, attended so many professional trainings, and was involved in industrial training (IT), which gave me access to Nestlé Abaji factory production line where I was able to put my theoretical background to use in practical terms. It was an intense period with great exposure that I will always be grateful for. A big thankyou to Nestlé for this opportunity.”
Some graduating students of the Technical Training Center receiving their certificates during the graduation ceremony
Ministers present commended the graduands for their hard work and diligence throughout the course, and urged them to utilize their newly acquired skills to make a positive difference wherever they find themselves.
Nestlé Nigeria is one of the largest food companies in Africa with the purpose of unlocking the power of food to enhance quality of life for everyone today and for generations to come.
For over 58 years, the company has been delighting consumers around Nigeria by consistently delivering high quality nutritious food.
With a staff strength of over 2,300 direct employees, 3 manufacturing sites, 7 branch offices and a head office located in Lagos, the company produces and markets several iconic brands including Nestlé Purelife, Golden Morn, Milo, Maggi And Nescafé.
