AS Watson, the world’s largest international health and beauty retailer, has reached a major milestone in its global youth employment pledge, having recruited 134,000 young people to date and delivered 3.8 million hours of training.
This achievement marks more than half of the way toward its goal of creating 200,000 opportunities by 2030.
Alongside job creation, AS Watson has invested heavily in training and development, delivering 3.8 million hours of learning to new joiners in their first year, meaning each young person receives, on average, 28 hours of learning.
This initiative underscores the Group’s dedication to empowering young talent with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving retail landscape.
AS Watson launched the Pledge in 2022 to address the challenges young people face when entering the workforce.
A lack of initial workplace experience and a disconnect between academic learning and practical skills often limit their employability. AS Watson is committed to helping them overcome these barriers by providing hands-on experience and practical skills training that bridge the gap between education and the workplace.
Dr Malina Ngai, Group CEO of AS Watson, said, “At AS Watson, we give young people more than a job – we give them belonging, purpose, and the tools to succeed.
“When we invest in young people, we invest in the future of everything – our industry, our communities, and our world. That’s the real purpose behind every opportunity we create.”
Beyond offering first jobs, AS Watson’s programme focuses on long-term career growth. It equips young employees with essential digital, customer service, and leadership skills. The Group continues to collaborate with educational institutions and NGOs to ensure inclusive access to career opportunities.
