In conjunction with International Youth Day, Nestlé Malaysia recently held a live webinar session discussing topics including “Careers in Times of COVID-19”, where the Company announced its commitment to provide job opportunities for 500 youths by 2021, including those from B40 communities. This announcement is part of its efforts to support vulnerable communities during the pandemic. This is a first new step in line with the Group’s global ambition to help 10 million young people have access to economic opportunities by 2030.
Youth unemployment is a global issue which has been further compounded due to the impact of COVID-19. In Malaysia, youth unemployment range is increasing, and recent reports indicate that workers under the age of 30 comprise up to 1/3 of job losses in 2020. Taking tangible steps to address this, Nestlé aims to enhance youth employability through Management Trainee, Internship and Apprenticeship programmes, as well as recruitment via direct hire opportunities.
Mr Juan Aranols, Chief Executive Officer, Nestlé (Malaysia) Berhad, said, “During this challenging time, many Malaysians have been affected by loss of income and unemployment, with young Malaysians particularly impacted by lack of job opportunities. Through these programmes, Nestlé strives to help shape a more sustainable future for Malaysian youth and contribute to building the next generation of talent for the nation.”
“Accelerating our commitment, we are scaling up our support to youth through management trainee, internship and apprenticeship opportunities. On top of equipping youths with relevant skills and enhancing employability, our aim is to ensure that the participants, especially those from the B40 groups, will have a stable source of income to keep afloat during these tough times.”
Overcoming the challenges of the pandemic, Nestlé is scaling up online training through its Virtual Internship programme. Nestlé will also continue to provide practical experience through ‘readiness for work’ events and explore more opportunities by collaborating with like-minded external partners and companies.
This complements ongoing programmes under the Nestlé Needs YOUth global initiative, introduced in 2013 in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), to provide employment and talent development opportunities for young people across the world. In 2019 alone, we have reached approximately 60,000 Malaysian youths through various Nestlé Needs YOUth programmes, such as the NESCAFÉ Youth Entrepreneurship Programme, NESTLÉ PROFESSIONAL Young Culinary Talents, as well as career fairs and talks, amongst others.
For more information on Nestlé’s various programmes for youth and details on how to participate, check out www.nestle.com.my or www.facebook.com/NestleCareersMY.
To further support vulnerable communities in Malaysia, Nestlé has also pledged to help 200,000 Malaysians in its COVID-19 relief efforts. The first phase saw Nestlé partnering with the Malaysian Red Crescent society and channeling food donations to front liners and those in need, while the second phase is focused on providing long-term support to B40 and lower income communities.