What does an apprenticeship at McDonald’s involve?

Emily Hales, 20, is a young single mum from Sittingbourne in Kent. She first joined McDonald’s in June 2011, aged 19, after taking time out from work to have her son, Alfie. Commenting on her apprenticeship, she says:

“Completing the apprenticeship has made me feel more confident about the work I do and has helped me to understand more about the business. It has also taught me valuable lessons such as time management and organisation, which is really useful at home as well as at work. I’m a lot better at planning ahead now, even when it comes to silly things like packing spare T-shirts for my son, Alfie, in case he spills something!”

“At first I was just looking for a job that fitted in with my schedule, but I’ve found a job I love. I’d recommend the apprenticeship to anyone – the maths and English qualifications can help you to get anywhere and it’s a great thing to put on your CV.”

What apprenticeships are available at McDonald’s?

· Since January 2009, McDonald’s has been providing its employees with the opportunity to gain an Intermediate Apprenticeship in Hospitality and Catering (level 2), which is accredited by leading awarding body City & Guilds

· This apprenticeship is a valuable, nationally-recognised qualification, equivalent to five GCSEs grade A* - C based on practical workplace communication and teamwork skills, combined with the achievement of a high standard in maths and English

• From 2012, McDonald’s is now also offering its employees an Advanced (level 3) Apprenticeship

· An apprenticeship at McDonald’s takes at least 12 months to complete

· Almost 15,000 apprentices have gained an apprenticeship at McDonald’s

· More than half of McDonald’s apprentices are aged 16 – 18

What does an apprenticeship at McDonald’s involve?

• When apprentices start learning, they can complete Maths and English courses online to achieve Level 1 and Level 2 Certificates in Adult Literacy and Numeracy if they do not have qualifications at this level already
• McDonald’s also bring skills and training to life in its restaurants, allowing people to see every day how important basic skills are to the running of the business
• Employees must complete workbooks that chart their progress. These are used to demonstrate their Maths and English skills, and apprentices write about the business itself
• Apprentices learn where McDonald’s food comes from and how its supply chain fits together. As a result McDonald’s apprentices are highly engaged employees

McDonald’s proven track record in offering high-quality qualifications:

· Ofsted has graded McDonald’s apprenticeship programme Grade 2 (good) with several areas Grade 1 (outstanding)

· More than 45,000 employees have gained nationally recognised qualifications at McDonald’s, including adult certificates in Maths and English, a Level 3 Diploma in Shift Management and a Foundation Degree in Managing Business Operations

McDonald's invests over £40 million in training each year