McDonalds local franchise, covering Wiltshire, Bristol and Frome, pledged to Be Involved in October 2019 after attending our careers event supporting young people who have experienced care. They pledged to; apprenticeships and supporting Schools. We spoke to the Recruitment Manager Autumn Lippett about their pledges.

Why does McDonalds find it important to support Schools?

We want to let young people know about other career pathways, as University isn’t for everyone. There are progression routes for everyone in McDonalds for example I started working here at 16 years old as a part time position after School, I went to Uni, but I found it wasn’t for me so I left and started the apprenticeship programme I became a crew trainer then moved into training apprentices I then transitioned into a shift manager role which I did for 3 years, the role I am now in is Recruitment Manager, I work across the franchise. I share my experiences with students and raise their awareness via mock interviews, careers fairs and we support work trials. We actually have a new starter on induction because of a meeting at the care experienced careers event!

What apprenticeship options can you offer somebody looking to work at McDonalds?

We have a Level 2 programme in Hospitality and a Level 3 programme which focuses more on becoming a manager. There is scope to follow the apprenticeship route through to degree level and we have just enrolled a member of staff onto a HR apprenticeship. We provide the pay, travel expenses and study time you just need to be prepared to work hard. In our Trowbridge store we had a lady join us after she lost her job elsewhere, but she started an apprenticeship with us and changed her career path. I think the apprenticeship route at McDonalds also allows individuals to join a social team, you are meeting new people of different ages and background, working in customer services means you have good skills development.

Lian Ball has undertaken a Level 2 apprenticeship with the Trowbridge team after completing his GCSE’s and studying a Level 3 sports course he decided University wouldn’t be for him, so he applied for the apprenticeship whilst already working at McDonalds.

How would you describe your apprenticeship journey?

I have found it to be a great opportunity, I couldn’t imagine working just as a crew member I wanted to progress and becoming a shift manager felt like the best way to do that. I have finished my apprenticeship and have been in the role for 6 months, I feel as though an apprenticeship makes you think a lot more about things and teaches you new skills, thinking about situations from a customer view point. I’m really proud I passed the course and have been given the trust and deemed capable to carry out the role of shift manager with my own team.