SWITZERLAND – Firmenich, the Swiss taste and fragrance company, has joined the Global Apprenticeship Network (GAN) Management Board, a coalition of leading companies committed to promoting work-based learning programmes.
The GAN, in which Nestlé and Microsoft are also members, is a global, business-driven alliance through which private sector companies, employers, international organisations and thought leaders work together to promote employment, through work-based learning programmes, including apprenticeships.
The coalition has a goal of accelerating the acquisition of skills and capabilities of all segments of the workforce and build a robust talent pipeline for business that can match the pace of change in the world of work.
Firmenich’s move to join the coalition builds on the company’s 60+ years in training apprentices in Europe and North America and building a rich pipeline of skilled professionals in commercial roles, supply chain, fragrance and flavor development, research and support functions.
“With our unique legacy of responsible business, Firmenich is delighted to join GAN’s Global Management Board to best empower the leaders of tomorrow,” said Gilbert Ghostine, CEO Firmenich.
“The GAN is instrumental in forging strong partnerships between companies and governments, which are crucial to drive opportunities for young people around the world through much-needed apprenticeship programs.”
By joining GAN, Firmenich will work alongside the other coalition members to promote and provide a foundation for work-based learning strategies – including apprenticeships – and practical concepts that are adapted to a unique national context.
“From experience, we are convinced that the combination of theory and practice that lies at the heart of dual educational programs is an enormously effective way of helping young people to enter professional life and build their employability” said François Rohrbach, General Manager Switzerland and Senior VP Human Resources, who will represent Firmenich on the GAN Global Management Board.
“We are very pleased to join the GAN and bring our combined energy and passion to bear in promoting and developing work-based training programs together.”
The company says that its training programs in flavors and perfumery stand as examples of its commitment for young people. According to the Swiss firm, trainees have an opportunity to work alongside its flavorists, who also play a key role in mentoring and fostering talent in the industry for the next generation.
Recognized for its responsible business approach, Firmenich reiterated that it is committed to further developing apprenticeship programs across the Group and enhancing employability.
This global approach aims at improving the skills of apprentices, as well as more widely in local communities and schools.
Firmenich is also a founding member of the Global Alliance for YOUth, a business-driven movement of 21 like-minded organizations, including Nestlé, Microsoft, and Adecco, committed to impacting 15 million young people worldwide by 2022 by helping them build employability skills.
