Last night, Nestlé Academy hosted a graduation ceremony at York Racecourse to celebrate the achievements of those completing their Academy schemes this year.
More than 90 of Nestlé’s apprentices, Fast Starters and graduates from across the UK and Ireland celebrated coming off their schemes and the start of the next chapter in their Nestlé career journey.
The event was attended by almost 120 guests including Nestlé’s training providers and Alliance for YOUth partners, such as DS Smith and McCurrach.
Last night’s graduation signified an important milestone for Nestlé Academy as the first cohort graduated from the Fast Start programme – Nestlé’s unique programme built in collaboration with Sheffield Hallam University that allows school-leavers to 'earn while they learn' by placing them in a salaried training role while they study for their degree.
During the three year training ten Fast Starters gained invaluable business skills and work experience across a broad range of commercial roles at Nestlé and on completion all have been offered a full-time role within the company. They will graduate from Sheffield Hallam University and receive an Honours Degree in Professional Business Practice on 15th November.
This year also saw Nestlé’s first finance apprentices complete their programme and move into full-time roles.
Dame Fiona Kendrick, Chairman and CEO, Nestlé UK & Ireland said:
“To meet our needs and stay ahead of our competitors, we have launched truly innovative schemes. Each of our Academy programmes plays a critical part in developing a pipeline of highly skilled future talent for the business.
We have been very privileged to watch so many talented, ambitious and successful young people join us, learn and hone their craft and build life-long careers with us.
My congratulations go to all those graduating tonight and also those who have supported them on their journey.”
The event concluded with the Nestlé Leadership Framework (NLF) Awards ceremony where six young people who excelled in demonstrating Nestlé’s values, principles and leadership behaviours were recognised.
One of the NLF Awards winners, Amy Chapman, Sales Graduate, Nestlé UK & Ireland who scooped the ‘Results Focus’ Award said:
“As for winning the award, it was a great surprise and shows the importance Nestlé places on recognising the work of every one of their graduates and apprentices. The level of detail given on each award winner and their work reflects the ethos of development, support and sharing learnings at Nestlé. I felt incredibly proud to be receiving the award and to have taken part in such a fantastic programme, as well as excited for the next steps in my career within the business.”
Keely Laycock, Process Apprentice at Nestlé Halifax who scooped the ‘Make a Difference’ Award added:
"I really enjoyed the evening and was thrilled to be chosen for the 'Make a Difference' award, I’ve really enjoyed my apprenticeship and to have had the honour of representing Halifax at the event.”
ENDS
For more information, please contact Nestlé Press Office on 020 8667 6005 [email protected]