Nestlé and Swiss Consulate Empower Nigerian Youth Through Technical Training Program
For the 13th consecutive year, Nestlé Nigeria has empowered over 20 young Nigerians through its Technical Training Program at its Agbara factory. The program equips participants with highly sought-after engineering skills and certifications from City & Guilds of London. This year, the top five students were given an exclusive opportunity to complete an eight-week apprenticeship at Nestlé’s technical facilities in Orbe and Broc, Switzerland.
Graduates from the program are now poised to launch their engineering careers with Nestlé Nigeria, thanks to a comprehensive curriculum blending theoretical and practical training. This initiative is part of Nestlé’s global Nestlé Needs YOUth program, aimed at enhancing youth employability and economic opportunities.
Equipping Nigerian Youth for the Future
The program, run in collaboration with the Swiss State Secretariat for Migration (SEM), is hosted at Nestlé’s training centers in Agbara, Abaji, and Flowergate. It provides 18 months of intensive training in mechanical, electrical, and automation engineering. Participants graduate with certifications in City & Guilds levels 3, 4, and 5.
According to Remy Ejel, Nestlé’s Executive Vice President and CEO for Zone Asia, Oceania, and Africa, “Africa has the largest youth population globally, and helping young people reach their potential is critical for economic growth. This program not only supports the demand for skilled labor in Nigeria but also aligns with our broader goal of enhancing youth employability.”
Real-World Impact
Since its inception in 2011, the program has received over 10,000 applications annually, with 60 apprentices selected each year. To date, close to 230 trainees have graduated, with 98% securing employment at Nestlé Nigeria.
One of this year’s graduates, 25-year-old Dolapo Adedoyin Okunola, shared her experience: “The Nestlé Technical Training Program significantly enhanced my skills, academic knowledge, and cultural experiences. The training in Nigeria, combined with my internship in Switzerland, gives me a competitive edge in the corporate world.”
Dolapo, who aspires to become a Technical Manager, worked on projects aimed at improving energy efficiency and machine validation while collaborating with diverse teams.
A Model Partnership
The program also serves as a bridge for cultural and knowledge exchange between Nigeria and Switzerland. His Excellency Osuobeni Rawlings Krobari, Chargé D’Affaires of Nigeria to Switzerland and Liechtenstein, highlighted its success: “A skilled workforce is vital for long-term growth. I commend the graduates and urge them to use their new skills as a foundation for their careers and as a means to share knowledge with their peers.”
Ms. Valérie Gass, Policy Advisor at SEM, emphasized the program’s significance within the broader migration partnership between Switzerland and Nigeria. “This program exemplifies a successful Swiss public-private partnership that addresses challenges and creates opportunities. We are proud of its impact and remain committed to supporting youth in Nigeria.”
A Global Commitment
The Nestlé Needs YOUth program, launched in 2013, aims to provide economic opportunities for 10 million young people globally by 2030, including 5 million across Asia, Oceania, and Africa. Drawing from the Swiss dual-education system, Nestlé combines global expertise with local insights to create positive change.
In 2024 alone, 70 young Nigerians completed apprenticeships through Nestlé’s training programs. These initiatives underscore Nestlé’s dedication to fostering the next generation of skilled professionals and contributing to Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
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