In collaboration with the Human Employment and Resource Training (HEART TRUST/NTA) Institute as well as the Portmore Community College, Nestlé Jamaica Limited is involved in providing on-the-job learning and training opportunities for young people. In case of HEART TRUST/NTA, this is done through two programmes established by the Training Institute. The programmes are:
- The HEART Trust /NTA) School Leavers –Training Opportunities Programme (SL-TOPS)
- The Apprenticeship Programme.
• The SL-TOPS programme is designed to improve productivity by helping to hone and upgrade the skills of school leavers’ through on-the-job training and coaching. The company’s current participation involves the engagement of school leavers for approximately two years. These persons are assigned to functional areas such as; Technical, Human Resource, Finance and Quality Assurance.
• The Apprenticeship programme is designed to train young people in various technical and vocational disciplines such as; Machining, Welding, Electrical and Industrial Maintenance and Mechanics. Training includes practical on-the job and classroom exposures. Trainees are selected from graduates of Technical High Schools and must be no younger than eighteen years old. The trainees are sponsored by the Company for the duration of their apprenticeship and in some cases are offered employment with the Company following completion of the programme.
On -the- job work experience and training (at Nestlé) are also provided for students of the Portmore Community College in St. Catherine. Under this programme, students are assigned to the Company during the summer break on work related training and mentorship. The Company pays students an honorarium to assist with the cost of transportation and lunch.
These programmes have allowed many school leavers, who otherwise might have had no source of employment, to achieve the necessary skills and education, gain employment and even start their own businesses.
• The Scholarship Programme
Nestlé Jamaica provides an annual scholarship to over 50 employees to defray the cost of books and tuition to their children at the secondary and tertiary levels. The child must receive a passing grade from his/her school in order to be eligible for the award.
The company also sponsors two scholarships on an annual basis to final year students at the University of the West Indies, pursuing the B.Sc. Degree in Food Chemistry.