Nestlé Needs YOUth

Nestle Bulgaria will hire 330 young people as part of a new youth employment initiative

Nestle Bulgaria will offer job opportunities to 330 young people under the age of 30 from around the country in 2014-2016, announced CEO Juan Carlos Peralejo at a press conference, presenting the Bulgarian participation in Nestlé’s initiative to promote youth employment in Europe. The press conference was attended also by Prof. Daniela Bobeva, Deputy Prime Minister on Economic Development, Prof. Aneliya Klisarova, Minister of Education and Science, Mrs.Rossitsa Iankova, Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Policy, and Mr. Nikolay Nikolov, Deputy Executive Director of the Employment Agency.

The Nestlé Needs YOUth Initiative was presented on 15 November in Athens. Within the project, Nestlé has pledged to create 20,000 jobs for young people across Europe over the next three years. All countries in which Nestlé operates will take part in the initiative and Bulgaria is one of the countries actively involved. For the period 2014-2016, Nestlé Bulgaria will provide job opportunities to 150 young people under the age of 30 and will create internships and training programmes for another 180 young people of the same age. They will have the opportunity to work across all different business areas and at all levels within the company from production and administration to sales, marketing, finance, technology, R&D.

“It is important for the government to work together with the business, because it is the only way to achieve a constructive dialogue and to help young people find their place in the labor market. The more opportunities we offer them in their home country, the stronger their motivation to stay in Bulgaria will be. I hope the example of Nestlé will be followed not only in Europe but also in Bulgaria and more and more companies will make an effort to support young people,” said Prof. Daniela Bobeva, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Development, at the launch of the initiative.

“This forum is proof of the relationship between business and education. We are convinced that we need to provide students education and training as is necessary for the business. This is the only way to ensure job opportunities for young people, and talent for businesses. That is why we welcome and support Nestlé’s initiative,” Prof. Aneliya Klisarova, Minister of Education and Science, said.

“Nestlé has been on the Bulgarian market for nearly 20 years. Since 2004, we have invested a total of BGN 147 million in the economy of the country and by the end of 2013 planned investments will be amounted to BGN 22 million. As a socially responsible company and a leading Nutrition, Health and Wellness company, we feel it is our moral obligation to support the development of young people and that goal is the foundation of Nestlé’s youth employment initiative,” said Juan Carlos Peralejo, CEO of Nestlé Bulgaria.

The company’s corporate HR policy is characterized by high health and safety working standards, special programs for professional training and development, and a working environment that motivates each employee’s initiative and open communication. In line with the principles of Creating Shared Value and commitment to socially significant initiatives in support of young people, in the last 17 years Nestlé Bulgaria has developed an internship program that enjoys a great interest among the candidates. As a result of their motivation and commitment, 100% of those recruited in one-year internships in 2012 have continued their careers in the company.