Nestle marks the tenth anniversary of the Nestle 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, Nestle 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 Nestle 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 Nestle 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 Nestle has the expertise to provide support.
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 Nestle 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. Nestle is making active efforts to find new approaches in agriculture that can generate decent incomes while promoting regenerative practices. Through Nestle's Agripreneurship Program, the company offers training courses that cover various topics related to regenerative agriculture, including agroforestry, soil health, and animal welfare.
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 Nestle 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 Nestle Professional.
"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 Nestle Needs YOUth initiative, Laurent Freixe, CEO of Nestle for Latin America.
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About Nestle
The Nestle group has been present in Romania since 1996, among the brands in its portfolio are NESCAFE, NESQUIK, Chocapic, KitKat®, Lion, JOE®, After Eight, MAGGI®, Purina, NAN®, GERBER®, Nespresso, Optifibre, etc. In Romania, Nestle also got involved in ecological and social responsibility initiatives. In the last 3 years, the company has planted 75,000 trees, which will contribute to achieving the goal of zero net carbon emissions by 2050.
Nestle global initiatives:
In 2017, Nestle took several steps to accelerate progress towards the 2030 goals, as part of actions to improve the quality of life and contribute to a better future. Among them are the consolidation of the "Nestle for Healthier Kids" program, the expansion of the "Nestle needs YOUth" initiative and the development of sustainable environmental performance management activities. Nestle maintains its position as a global leader in the food and beverage industry through its portfolio of healthy products accessible to consumers. The Access To Nutrition Initiative (ATNI) Global Index assesses the world's 25 largest food producers, focusing on their nutrition policies, practices and performance. Nestle's top position is recognition of its ongoing commitment to nutrition and health, as well as its commitment to help address the global challenges of obesity and undernutrition.
Nestle for Healthier Kids
The "Nestle for Healthier Kids" program was created to unite all Nestle efforts that support parents and guardians to raise healthier children, from research activities and product formulation to innovative education and nutrition services for a healthy lifestyle. In Romania, these efforts are found under the umbrella of the program "And I live healthy - SETS", initiated by the PRAIS Foundation, as well as "Traista cu Sanatate" under the guidance of the Healthy Traditions Foundation. The NutriPortion and VeggiePortion educational tools, as well as the Nestle for Healthier Kids recipe book, are part of the company's educational portfolio.
Nestle needs YOUth
Nestle's ambition for the global youth initiative "Nestle needs YOUth" is to help 10 million young people around the world gain access to career opportunities by 2030. This global initiative combines and coordinates all activities that support young people around world, including the efforts of the Alliance for YOUth.
Nestle for a Waste Free World
Nestle wants its products to be not only tastier and healthier, but also better for the environment. Nestle's ambition for 2030 is zero impact on the environment, focusing its efforts on reducing carbon dioxide emissions, biodiversity, and packaging management.
