DUBAI, UAE – Nestlé and L’Oréal, members of the Alliance for Youth (A4Y) announce the launch of Next Level (NxL) Season 3. This training program empowers young people with the essential skills they need to thrive in today’s dynamic and rapidly changing workforce, particularly in the booming fields of artificial intelligence (AI) and digitalization, while also preparing them for the job market and entrepreneurship.
Partners Nestlé and L’Oréal launched Season 1 in 2022. With the addition of 14 new partners in Season 2, the program has impacted more than 20,000 young individuals across the region throughout both seasons. Building on this success, NxL Season 3 brings in new speakers from Google, LinkedIn, Microsoft, Monsha’at, and Blossom Accelerator alongside previous partners such as Anghami, Snap, Injaz Al Arab, The University Leadership Council, and You Experience. The program will feature modules, focusing on key areas such as AI and digital skills, green skills, entrepreneurship, personal branding, career building, networking.
David Moloto, Human Resources Director for Nestlé in the Middle East and North Africa, commented: “At Nestlé, we are dedicated to empowering young people for future careers by developing essential skills and creating robust job opportunities. We believe in the power of collaboration, and alongside L’Oréal and other valued partners, we are excited to launch a new season that will positively shape the lives of youth transitioning from education to the workforce.”
Jean-Dominique De Ravignan, L’Oréal Middle East Human Resources Director, said: “L’Oréal has a strong commitment to supporting youth education and this resonates with the company culture and values. We are very proud of running NxL Season 3 with Nestlé and the other involved partners, this program has a strong impact on the upskilling and education of the young generations in the MENA region through the identification of key relevant topics ranging from AI to personal growth, which will help their readiness for employment.”
Across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, young people (under the age of 30) represent more than half (55%) of the population1. However, the region faces the highest youth unemployment rate in the world (26%), according to the World Bank2. Meanwhile, the impact of AI in the Middle East is anticipated to be substantial, with projections indicating it could reach US$320 billion by 20303.
The free program offers live online sessions delivered by key speakers from Nestlé, L’Oréal, and other partners, broadcasted from the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. The content is localized to suit the different markets and is presented in English, with live transcription in Arabic, French and English, and sign language interpretation for broader accessibility. NxL Season 3 kicks off on 25 November 2024, with applications closing on 22 November.
