Why did McDonald’s choose to offer degree apprenticeships?

We have offered Level 2 Apprenticeships to our newest members of staff since 2009, and Level 3 Apprenticeships to our junior managers since 2017. The introduction of Level 6 Degree Apprenticeships was a fantastic opportunity to offer our senior team members the chance to gain further education and the opportunity to see the work they do from a different perspective. It is a big investment in each individual, but we strongly believe in giving our people the chance to excel in themselves.

How has McDonald’s benefited from the work done by your degree apprentices?

We have seen our degree apprentices grow in their roles, and approach the day-to-day challenges in the business with increasing confidence. They bring new ideas to the table in the team meetings; and through their business projects and analysis of results, they have driven changes in all areas of the business, from food cost to staff retention. Their knowledge of the underlying business model and strategies that impact both the brand and the individual restaurant helps them to make more informed decisions.

Why did you choose Manchester Met and how have you found working with us?

The time that the apprentices spend at University is always a really positive experience for them to feel fully immersed in student life. They come back to the business invigorated and with fresh ideas of how to use their new-found knowledge within the running of the business, and how to implement their business projects in new ways. Contact with the other apprentices through social media on a more informal and regular basis presents another really valuable opportunity to compare challenges in their restaurants, and support each other with both business and academic obstacles they face. The guidance that the tutors and support team at Manchester Met provide to the students in getting used to the world of academia and report writing is invaluable, and something which we wouldn’t have the knowledge as employers to support them with.

Would you recommend degree apprenticeships to other employers?

Degree apprenticeships are a big investment; apprentices need to be given time out of their usual role, support to make sure they are able to access the information they need, and time to discuss the ideas they have to make an impact on the business. However, the value that this brings back to the business improves the confidence of the employees, their resilience, the ability to build their own support networks in the larger business community, and provides a deeper knowledge and understanding of the way the business works, which leads to better decision-making.