Food industry youngsters get a taste of University

An innovative scheme that allows school leavers to 'earn while they learn' by placing them in a salaried training role at the same time as they study for adegree has been launched by Nestlé, in partnership with Sheffield Hallam.

The Nestlé Academy Fast Start Programme is the first of its kind in the food industry and has already received hundreds of applications for the 12 places on offer. 

Participants are guaranteed a job at the end of the three year programme and will complete their training having gained work experience across a broad range of commercial roles at Nestlé, alongside a BA (Hons) in Professional Business Practice from  the University.

The students are paid a £16,000 a year salary whilst they complete the programme, and their tuition fees are entirely paid for by Nestlé.

Fiona Kendrick, chairman and CEO Nestlé UK and Ireland said: “I am delighted to be launching such an innovative scheme giving young people yet another entry point into Nestlé. With declining numbers of 18- 24 year olds, an ageing population and a predicted decline in graduate numbers, we need to make a career in the food industry a career of choice.

“We need a commercially driven workforce for the future and are looking for individuals with potential. The Nestlé Academy Fast Start Programme not only allows young people to earn while they learn but also to gain invaluable business skills and experience whilst working towards the academic achievement of a degree. Added to that they are given an opportunity to develop an exciting and rewarding career with Nestlé with opportunities both in the UK and all over the globe.”

During the first two years the trainees will rotate between the sales, marketing, human resources and supply chain functions in real jobs working on real-life projects.  In the third year trainees will specialise in a specific business area, based on Nestlé’s business needs, their preferences and strengths for a particular role.

Alongside the commercial experience trainees will have five blocks of five-day study release based at Sheffield Business School, part of Sheffield Hallam.

The programme enables the trainee to get a flavour of each function so that they can experience firsthand what working at Nestlé is really like before specialising and by working in different areas of the business they will develop a solid general business acumen. 

For the duration of the programme they are assigned a mentor to ensure they get the most out of their learning experience and receive support and advice in any areas that they may need.

Professor Adrian Hopgood, pro Vice Chancellor of Sheffield Business School at Sheffield Hallam University said: “At Sheffield Hallam University we are committed to working closely with industry to produce work-ready graduates, and we offer a range of innovative flexible learning routes so that our students can learn in a way that best suits their needs.

"This programme is unique in that it recruits participants with school leaver qualifications, rather than at postgraduate level.

"We believe that the students will benefit hugely from being able to apply the theory they learn at University directly into the workplace to solve real-life business issues.

"Nestlé will benefit from the ideas and enthusiasm of these bright and committed young people.

"These students will still graduate alongside their peers, but with a host of relevant work experience to add to their CV, and a guaranteed job with a major global company."   

For press information contact: Laurie Harvey on 0114 225 2621 or email pressoffice@shu.ac.uk