Nestlé and partners to create 100,000+ opportunities in Europe

Around 200 companies have joined forces under Nestlé’s “Alliance for YOUth” to tackle the youth unemployment crisis in Europe, pledging to create more than 100,000 opportunities for young people in the coming years.

The “Alliance for YOUth” is committed to working hand in hand with policy-makers and the education sector to foster both job employability and job creation.

Laurent Freixe, CEO Nestlé Europe said: “With around 200 companies from all over Europe, the “Alliance for YOUth” is the first pan-European business driven movement pledging to help young people be better prepared to enter the professional world and improve their chances in a challenging job market.”

YOUTH UNEMPLOYMEMENT: 1 in 4 young people under 25 is unemployed in Europe.

“Alliance for YOUth” companies have pledged to develop a number of joint and individual initiatives to give young people meaningful work experience and internships, generating more than 100,000 jobs and training opportunities.

The companies will also mobilise their employees to go out into the community and help young people get ready for work by offering practical advice, CV clinics and interview preparation.

Founding firms include recruiter Adecco, insurer AXA, international food group Cargill, logistics group CHEP, packaging company DS Smith, consultants Ernst & Young, social networking company Facebook and perfume and flavour firm Firmenich.

Information technology firm Google, consumer insights group Nielsen, communications firm Publicis Groupe, technology firm Salesforce, information exchange platform Twitter and law firm White & Case have also already signed up to the Alliance.

The “Alliance for YOUth” is the fourth pillar of Nestlé’s European youth employment initiative, “Nestlé Needs YOUth”, launched in November 2013.