Global health and beauty retailer AS Watson has achieved a significant breakthrough in its youth employment initiative, successfully recruiting 134,000 young people worldwide and providing 3.8 million hours of comprehensive training to date.
Transforming Youth Employment Landscape
The company launched its ambitious youth employment pledge in 2022 to address critical challenges facing new workforce entrants. Many young people struggle with limited workplace experience and a noticeable gap between academic learning and practical job skills, which often hinders their employment prospects.
AS Watson's program directly confronts these barriers by offering hands-on experience and targeted skills development. The initiative has already surpassed the halfway mark toward its 2030 target of creating 200,000 opportunities for young talent globally.
Philippines Youth Program Success
In the Philippines, Watsons has actively collaborated with local communities and academic institutions to implement successful youth programs. To date, these efforts have welcomed approximately 850 interns and apprentices into the organization.
These comprehensive initiatives provide participants with practical community pharmacy experience, real-world retail exposure, and valuable corporate insights. The program offers a strong pathway to full-time employment, demonstrating Watsons' firm commitment to developing the next generation of retail professionals in the country.
Dr. Malina Ngai, Group CEO of AS Watson, emphasized their holistic approach: "At AS Watson, we give young people more than a job - we give them belonging, purpose, and the tools to succeed." She added, "When we invest in young people, we invest in the future of everything - our industry, our communities, and our world."
Beyond Numbers: Long-term Career Development
The program extends far beyond initial job placement, focusing on sustainable career growth. Each young recruit receives an average of 28 hours of learning during their first year, equipping them with essential digital capabilities, customer service expertise, and leadership competencies.
AS Watson continues to strengthen partnerships with educational institutions and non-governmental organizations to ensure inclusive access to career opportunities. The company remains dedicated to expanding training in digital skills and sustainability roles while driving innovation through technology and Generative AI applications in retail.
Looking forward, AS Watson maintains its commitment to creating 200,000 youth employment opportunities by 2030, continuously enhancing its training programs to prepare young talent for the rapidly evolving retail environment.
