NEARLY 2,000 jobs are to be created by York-based confectionery giant Nestlé in a bid to tackle youth unemployment.

Nestlé UK and Ireland, which owns the Haxby Road factory, announced today it will be looking for 1,900 youngsters to fill roles over the next three years as it faces a “major manpower crisis”.

More than 600 employment opportunities will be available each year, including 300 paid work experience placements over the three year period.

The company, which is creating the jobs of as part of Nestlé’s European Youth Employment Initiative, says it is yet to break down how many jobs will go to each UK site, however a spokesman said with the significance of York’s site within the business it is likely a large number will be coming to the city.

Fiona Kendrick, chief executive at Nestlé UK and Ireland, said: “With youth unemployment steadily rising we all need to play our part in creating opportunities for the next generation.

“Sadly young people in the UK and Ireland are stuck in a catch-22 situation. They can’t get a job without experience, but can’t get experience without a job.

“Industry must step up and help young people bridge the gap between education and employment.”

York is Nestlé UK and Ireland’s largest confectionery site, employing just over 1,750 staff - 1,000 more than the second largest site at Newcastle which employs 800 workers, and Halifax where 800 are taken on at peak season dropping to 500.

Matt Stripe, Nestlé UK & Ireland HR director, based in York, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be offering these opportunities to young people in the UK and Ireland.

“The fact is, the food industry is facing a major manpower crisis which threatens its future.

“An ageing workforce and skills shortage means we need to attract new, young talent into the industry.

“While the country’s youth unemployment has steadily increased, Nestlé has more than doubled the number of graduate opportunities available over the past two years. In the next three years, we will treble the number of apprentices to 60 every year.”

The news has been welcomed by leader of City of York Council, Cllr James Alexander, who said he is keen to see as many of the positions as possible come to York.

He said: “As one of York’s biggest employers, Nestlé has also played an important part in this city’s history.

“We are hopeful that this announcement today marks a significant jobs boost, which will provide new career opportunities for young people in the city as a key part of York’s growing future”.

Nestlé will offer paid work experience within its factories, offices and sales teams to young people in local communities close to Nestlé sites.

Nestlé is also partnering with social enterprise group MyKindaCrowd to offer skills and employability training to over 12,000 school and college students.

Ms Kendrick said: “Attracting new talent and investing in future skills is key to the continued success of our business, which is why we are offering school leavers, university students and graduates the chance to gain experience throughout our business.”

In total Nestlé’s European Youth Employment Initiative, which was launched today in Athens, will help 20,000 people across Europe under the age of 30 find employment; offering 10,000 jobs and creating 10,000 apprentice positions and traineeships by 2016.