Introduction

The Graduate Development Programme (GDP) is a highly sought after programme that sees in excess of 6000 application per year.

Graduates are taken through a 24-month rotational development programme that provides an introduction to the working world of Nestlé, as well as a strong foundation for further development.

Our graduates are not only supported by internal and external training courses, mentors and a structured developmental plan, but also gain valuable practical experience by working on projects and carrying out responsibilities that specialists would ordinarily fulfill.

This not only allows graduates to gain the confidence and skills they need to become specialists in their functions, but also allows them to identify their future area of interest. After the GDP, high performing graduates are able to take on middle management positions.

What makes a successful graduate trainee?

Graduates that are proactive self starters with leadership capacity and a results orientation are the kind of graduates that we look for because it is these qualities that drive graduates to succeed and develop a fruitful career with Nestlé. Over and above, the following knowledge and skills are necessary:

Development Programmes

Nestle employs graduates into a number of areas. The programmes are rotational and exposure may include but is not limited to the areas specified in the table below. (Insert table in the excel attachment)

The Application Process

Successful applicants can expect to follow the following procedure:

Closing date for applications is 15 August 2011

Testimonials

Perhaps the greatest success story of the Nestlé GDP belongs to our former Chairman Peter Brabeck-Letmathe. He studies Economics at the University of World Trade in Vienna and started his working career at he age of 24 at Nestlé as a Graduate Trainee.

Thereafter, he spent much of his career in Latin America in various Sales & Marketing roles before being transferred to the Nestlé Headquarters in Vevey, Switzerland as Head of Culinary Products and other Business Units. He later became CEO and Chairman of Nestlé.

This is the calibre of graduate trainees that Nestle seeks to employ and the type of success that we anticipate for them. The following is an introduction to some of Nestle South Africa’s up-and-coming past graduate trainees who are already making an impact in their respective fields.

Leigh-Ann van der Poel

University : UCT
Programme : Sales & Marketing
Current Position : Assistant Brand Manager
Achievement : Successfully led the communication plans for a strategic new launch of Ricoffy Mild
My Experience : Working for Nestle inspires me daily! There are so many opportunities to grow within the business

Prashini Moodley

University : UKZN
Programme : Human Resources
Current Position : Recruitment & Selection Specialist
Achievement : My dedication to my work was recognised and I was made custodian of a senior HR position during my training…and I excelled at it!
My Experience : Working for Nestle has provided me with an invaluable opportunity to create and build opportunities which gave me an excellent foundation for my career

Yolandi Basson

University : University of Stellenbosch
Programme : Finance & Control
Current Position : Assistant Controller
Achievement : I have excelled in all aspects of my responsibilities and challenges faced in both corporate control and financial accounting
My Experience : Being part of Nestle has been an amazing opportunity to gain exposure within a global giant

Nobathembu Dwenga

University : UKZN
Programme : Supply Chain
Current Position : Demand Planner
Achievement : Having taken on the role of doing demand planning for one of the biggest and complex portfolios-Chocolates
My Experience : I have had a great and exciting learning experience which has developed my business acumen. Everyday brings its own challenges and I am loving it!

Kelvin Koraan

University : Wits
Programme : Technical & Production
Current Position : Junior Quality Assurance Specialist
Achievement : driving product defect reduction projects to reduce consumer complaints as well as coaching, training and advising all Factory Compliance Specialists on a day to day basis
My Experience : Nestle has provided me with a world of opportunity, a Sea of knowledge, confidence and belief that my Employer is first class and number one in the world. I Could not have made a better choice!

Kamari de Rijk

University : UCT
Programme : Supply Chain
Current Position : Business Analyst
Achievement : Was part of a high performing team travelling through the country to all our sites, training and implementing continuous improvement projects
My Experience : Nestle has given me the opportunity to grow into the person I’ve always wanted to be and helped me realise my potential.

Lusanda Nakani

University : UJ
Programme : Human Resources
Current Position : Graduate Development Specialist
Achievement : Has taken the Nestlé GDP to the next level
My Experience : Working for Nestlé has been awesome…I am carving a quality career for myself.

Desiree Tlou

University : University of Pretoria
Programme : Finance & Control
Current Position : Junior Internal Auditor
Achievement : My contribution to Nestlé Market Audit has lead to the team achieving higher standards which are in line with Group Audit
My Experience : Being part of the Nestlé community has presented me with great opportunities that have helped me develop both personally and in my career.

Kelly Wainwright

University : Wits Business School
Programme : Sales & Marketing
Current Position : Occupation: Brand Manager
Achievement : Worked on some of the most exciting brands in the global food industry - continually striving to improve how they perform for the company, by making them better for consumers.
My Experience : Nestlé has given me the opportunity to grow on both a personal and a professional level. I am encouraged to always push my boundaries which means I never stop learning!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do graduate trainees get overseas exposure during their GDP?
A: High performing individuals could see themselves overseas on training seminars or projects after successful completion of the GDP.

Q: Is employment guaranteed after the GDP?
A: Yes provided that you have shown satisfactory performance and there is a business need.

Q: Will Nestlé buy me out of my bursary?
A: Nestlé does not buy candidates out of any bursary contracts they may have.

Q: Does Nestlé accept foreign nationals into its GDP?
A: Unfortunately, Nestlé does not take foreign national into the GDP. If an application is received from such a candidate, it is forwarded to the relevant market to handle.

Q: What kind of remuneration and benefits can a graduate trainee expect?
A: Every year, Nestlé benchmarks its remuneration packages with the FMCG industry. This ensures that we remain competitive. The package includes a basic salary, medical aid and a retirement fund. Nestlé also funds relocation for new employees where applicable by way of a two-month self-catering accommodation, airfare and transportation of furniture.

Q: What kind of support is given to new graduate trainees who are coming into the world of work for the first time?
A: Each graduate trainee shall have a buddy assigned to them. This buddy shall be a graduate trainee from the previous year who will support new graduate trainee during the settling-in period, offer advice, share experiences in a non-threatening environment and address any concerns that the graduate trainee might have. In addition, the new graduate trainee will also have a mentor as well as a internal and external training programmes to expand in their career and personal development.