Nestlé celebrates 10 years of supporting youth

Nestlé marks the tenth anniversary of the Nestlé Needs YOUth initiative, an initiative created to increase the employment opportunities for young people at a time when youth unemployment rates in Europe were reaching alarming levels. After more than a decade, the initiative has expanded globally and has helped over five million young people, including farmers and entrepreneurs, to develop their skills and take advantage of career opportunities.

In Romania, starting from 2013 until now, Nestlé has provided over 300 internship and traineeship opportunities and has organized more than 120 development events, with the participation of over 13,000 young people. These initiatives have been essential in equipping young people with the skills and experiences necessary to succeed in their careers.

“Throughout these ten years, dozens of Nestlé specialists have contributed annually to the development of thousands of young people who have participated in our workshops (marketing, finance, logistics), career counseling sessions, seminars on leadership, emotional intelligence, and time management, as well as the highly appreciated Summer’s Cool internship program. We are proud to have played a role in supporting the growth and professional development of young people in Romania. As we maintain our commitment to nurturing the next generation, we will continue to create even more opportunities to help young people grow, thrive, and succeed,” says Silvia Sticlea, Country Manager Nestlé Romania.

According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), in 2022, approximately 73 million young people were still unemployed or earning very low wages. While the employment rate remains a fundamental aspect of the program, other challenges have emerged for young people, for which Nestlé has the expertise to provide support.

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Since the beginning of the trainee program, I have been encouraged to express my ideas and actively contribute to relevant projects. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with a wonderful team that trusts me and supports me whenever I need it. This trust has motivated me to push my limits and take on new responsibilities. My experience at Nestlé has helped me learn and grow in a stimulating environment and develop the necessary skills to succeed in my career. I am proud of my progress and grateful for the opportunities I have had,” says Irina, Learning & Training Trainee.

Agriculture is at a turning point, with fewer young people considering it an attractive profession. Nestlé is making active efforts to find new approaches in agriculture that can generate decent incomes while promoting regenerative practices. Through Nestlé’s Agripreneurship Program, the company offers training courses that cover various topics related to regenerative agriculture, including agroforestry, soil health, and animal welfare.

“Our goal is to help 10 million young people access economic opportunities by 2030, and I am proud of the impact we have had so far” says the founder of the Nestlé Needs YOUth initiative, Laurent Freixe, CEO of Nestlé for Latin America.

Through the Youth Entrepreneurship Platform (YEP), the company also supports young creatives who want to start their own businesses or develop innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing issues. It provides young people with the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills, improve their capabilities, test an idea, or develop their businesses in fields ranging from food science and technology to product and service development, regenerative agriculture practices, and sustainable packaging. One year after its launch, YEP has reached a growing community of over 10,000 registered users.

“From the moment I joined the company, I have been welcomed into a dynamic work environment that promotes innovation and collaboration, offering me the opportunity to learn and develop rapidly. The dedicated team is a constant source of inspiration and support, significantly contributing to my personal and professional success. One of the aspects that truly stands out at Nestlé is the strong sense of purpose and commitment to creating a positive impact. I am delighted to be part of an organization that not only values its employees but also strives to make a difference in the world” says Ciprian Devderea, Digital Lead & Brand Manager Nestlé Professional