Danone launches €100m global upskilling programme

The manufacturer – known for the Activia, Volvic and Cow & Gate brands – will roll out its new DanSkills programme to all 55 countries it operates in, including the UK.

Between now and 2030, Danone plans to reallocate 1 million training hours annually to help its people learn ‘tomorrow’s skills’, in areas such as artificial intelligence and sustainability.

The global project will include the creation of a dedicated management training centre at Danone’s Evian site. Training will be available to all employees, regardless of qualification, age or job.

Create 2,500 new roles

Danone’s implementation of the DanSkills programme will also support the creation of the 2,500 roles in Europe the manufacturer forecast it will need to fill by 2027.

“Rooted in the company’s dual commitment to business success and social progress, DanSkills is an integral part of Danone’s Impact Journey commitments, and will be open to all Danone employees, anywhere in the world at any point in their careers,”​ said a Danone spokesman.

“It will give each of them the opportunity to pursue career opportunities in line with their professional aspirations. In the process, DanSkills will strengthen Danone’s potential for innovation, creativity, shared efficiency, and performance.”​

‘Social pact’

DanSkills’ debut marks the first step in building the new ‘Social Pact’ launched by Danone chief executive Antoine de Saint-Affrique in 2023, when he gathered an expanded team of leaders and experts to reflect on the human and social challenges in the years ahead.

Meanwhile, last month saw fresh prepared foods manufacturer Bakkavor Group create 86 new apprenticeship roles​​ across the business nationwide, a record intake for the manufacturer.

Roles span a number of disciplines, including food technology, health and safety, supply chain management, operations, finance and business administration. Bakkavor is also offering a ‘record’ 26 roles specifically relating to engineering.