The COVID-19 pandemic is having a far-reaching impact on our communities, including an economic downturn that has hit young people particularly hard. Many schools and universities have closed their doors. Apprenticeships and traineeships have become scarcer. Youth unemployment is again on the rise.
Throughout this difficult time, Nestlé has maintained its efforts to support youth employability in Europe with the Nestlé needs YOUth initiative. Apprentices continued to go to work where possible, and trainees started to work remotely. Nestlé also organized digital training for its apprentices to allow them to complete their required curriculum. Furthermore, the company offered online training for young people working in hotels, restaurants and cafés to support them in learning new skills.
Salviano Silva, Nestlé apprentice at the Avanca factory in Portugal said: “I’m glad I could pursue my apprenticeship and gain relevant skills for my future despite the lockdown. I felt reassured with the additional safety measures taken in the factory. I’m also proud to have been part of the team that kept on producing essential products such as baby food.”
Nestlé today reaffirmed its strong commitment to youth employment in Europe by supporting the relaunch of the European Alliance for Apprenticeships.
Speaking at a high-level event for the renewed European Alliance for Apprenticeships, Marco Settembri, CEO of Nestlé Zone Europe, Middle East and North Africa said: “More than ever, we must invest in young people. We strongly believe in the power of apprenticeships. They help young people transition from school to the workplace and get the right skills to shape the world of tomorrow, especially green and digital skills. Since 2014, we and our partners of the Alliance for YOUth have created more than 1,100 new apprenticeship programs. We are committed to continue this journey together.”
The Alliance for YOUth is a business-driven European initiative launched by Nestlé in 2014. The Alliance for YOUth brings together more than 300 companies in Europe. The participating companies have created more than 300,000 jobs and training opportunities.
