Nestle Offers Automatic Employment to 10 Graduate Trainees, Invest Over N6bn to Bridge Technical Skills Gap

Nestle Nigeria Plc has offered ten graduates of the Nestle Technical Training Centre (NTTC) full employment.

The Managing Director of Nestle Nigeria Plc, Mr. Wassim Elhusseini announced the job offer at the graduation ceremony of the 10 graduate trainees of NTTC, which attracted representatives of the Ogun State Government, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), National Employers Consultative Association (NECA), traditional ruler of Agbara Kingdom, Oba Jayeola Abimbola Agunbiade, Country Human Resources Manager, Alhaji Shakiru Lawal, outgoing Factory Manager, Mr. Ibukun Olu incoming Factory Manager, Mr. Talla Fall, tutors of the graduates, other guests and parents.

Elhusseini said the graduation is the seventh NTTC in Agbara, stating, today, we celebrate the outstanding achievements of 10 young men and women, who have completed their 18-month training program, bringing the total number of graduands from Agbara this year to 30.”

According to him, since 2011, the NTTC has addressed the technical skills gap among Nigerian youths and that program combines theoretical and practical engineering training culminating in the City and Guilds of London Technicians’ Certification, thus enhancing their employability.

Said he: “To date, more than 190 young men and women have passed through this program, and I am proud to share that we have employed 97% of these talented individuals within Nestlé Nigeria.

Our investment of over 6 billion naira in upskilling these bright young minds reflects our firm belief in the potential of the next generation. It is also one of the many ways we are creating shared value. By bridging the technical skills gap in the industry, we are not only enhancing the employability of our youth but also fostering the creation of new enterprises.”

He explained that the graduates of the NTTC are well-equipped to improve their personal economic circumstances and to contribute meaningfully to the development of their communities.

“However, our dedication to youth empowerment extends well beyond the technical training centre. We believe that the foundation of thriving communities lies in equipping the next generation with the right training and opportunities.

“This commitment is reflected in our youth engagement platform, Nestle Needs YOUth. Launched in 2013, this initiative aims to help young people access economic opportunities. In Nigeria, this initiative focuses on four pillars: get them hired, get them skilled, get them support and get them more opportunities,” he stressed.

The MD said through the company’s participation in the Alliance for Youth Nigeria, launched in 2021, it has reached over 16,000 young Nigerians with employability and entrepreneurial training, internships, mentoring opportunities, and job placements.

His words: “That’s why it gives me great pleasure to announce that all graduates of this batch have been employed by Nestlé Nigeria. They have earned their place through dedication and excellence, and we are thrilled to welcome them to the Nestlé family.”

In his speech, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, represented by the Deputy Director Education, Mr. Rotimi Okeleye commended the Nestle training centre for its commitment to empower young minds with skills and knowledge that would shape the future of our nation.

Arigbabu congratulated the graduands and noted that their hard work, dedication and perseverance have paid off was proud of their achievements.

He said the skills and training they have acquired at NTTC is a powerful tool that can shape their future and opens doors to  new possibilities.

“As you go forth in life, remember that education is a lifelong journey, hence, continue to seek knowledge, embrace innovation, stay curious, desire greatness and never lose sight of your goals and aspirations,” he charged them.

The Country Human Resources Manager, Alhaji Lawal congratulated the graduands for the remarkable achievement and charged them to aim for greater heights.

The outgoing Factory Manager, Mr. Olu said the NTTC programme is not only for Nestle but for the country and that the graduands were offered employment because they met Nestle requirements.

Oba Jayeola in his remarks acknowledged that Nestle has offered employment to youths in his community based on merit.

He commended the company for the scholarships offered to students in secondary school and universities in the community and also charged the NTTC graduates to be worthy ambassadors.

The new Factory Manager, Mr. Fall commended the Ogun State government for supporting vocational education and tasked the 10 graduates to contribute to the growth of Nestle.

Representatives of MAN and NECA lauded the initiative and advised the graduates not to disappoint Nestle and parents.