Students and graduates

Opportunities for development

At Nestlé, we offer exciting opportunities to people early in their careers all around the world.

Why Nestlé needs YOUth?

We believe that communities cannot thrive if they fail to offer a bright future for younger generations. That is why we are determined to help young people develop their skills so that they can find fulfilling jobs, or create their own businesses. This helps us build thriving, resilient communities.

Launched locally in 2016, our Nestlé needs YOUth initiative helps equip young people with the skills they need to thrive in tomorrow’s workplaces. Through this initiative we have touched over 18,000 Sri Lankan youth, helping them take the next step in their life.

Our local ambition is to help 100,000 young people in Sri Lanka enhance their employability so that they can have better access to economic opportunities.

We’re passionate about nurturing the talents and dreams of our youth to ensure a sustainable future for them. Take a look at how we’re enhancing the employability of young people in Sri Lanka.

MoU with the University of Kelaniya

We signed a MoU with the University of Kelaniya’s Department of Marketing Management in 2018 where we came on board as strategic partner for the University’s ‘Certified Professional Marketing Graduate (CPMG)’ programme. As part of CPMG, the top 30 students following the University’s ‘Diploma in People Skills’ are taught and trained by us for four-five months, covering four main modules – Collaboration, Leadership, Innovation and Personal Development. The top performing students of each batch are awarded a six-month marketing or sales internship at Nestlé.

MoU with AIESEC

We have signed a MoU with AIESEC, a global youth-led organisation, to help develop the leadership potential of young people.

Together with AIESEC, the first ever Youth Speak Forum was conducted in 2020. This provided young Sri Lankans a platform to brainstorm ideas that contribute to Sustainable Development Goals related to plastic waste, climate change, and innovation.

Management Trainee Programme

Our Management Trainee Programme has been successful for years. A comprehensive programme spanning for 12-18 months, it gives management trainees exposure to the entire company from grass-roots level, offering cross functional stints and on-the-job training to mold them to into becoming our future leaders. In fact, many of our company’s senior management joined Nestlé as Management Trainees.

Commercial Trainee Programme

The Commercial Trainee Programme, launched in 2021, aims at bringing in young and diverse talent to the Sales force and serves as an opportunity for them to embark on their professional careers. Through structured learning experiences and hands-on training, commercial trainees gain the skills and knowledge required to succeed in the dynamic corporate world.

Technical Trainee Programme

Launched in 2022, this is a comprehensive 12-month Programme, designed for young technical talent to gain diverse exposure from the grassroot level. This opportunity provides young individuals, currently in the early stages of their careers, with the skills and knowledge they need to become the next generation of technical leaders.

Nesternship

Nésternship is a three-month virtual internship programme offering graduates and undergraduates industry exposure and on-the-job training to help kick-start their careers. Since its launch in 2020 we have been able to offer opportunities to 100+ youth across the country. Conducted annually, participants of the Nesternship programme get to work across different fields, while being closely guided and mentored by our very own team at Nestle Lanka.

!nTouch with Nestlé

We conduct work readiness sessions for university students on CV writing, facing interviews, career guidance and tips through digital media, job fairs, CV clinics and soft skill building workshops, helping bridge the gap between academics and the expectations of corporates. We are happy to say that we have reached more than 21,000 undergraduates since 2021.

In addition to these, we have more initiatives under ‘Nestlé Needs YOUth’ programme, which aims to enhance the employability of Sri Lankan youth, signifying our commitment to do good for the community under the ‘My Nestlé, My Sri Lanka’ banner.