KUALA LUMPUR, 4 March 2020 – McDonald’s Malaysia today held its first graduation ceremony for youths who have successfully completed their training under the McDonald’s Vocational Apprenticeship Programme. Approximately 50 youths were celebrated at a graduation ceremony held at the new McDonald’s Vocational Academy located at McDonald’s Mutiara Damansara Drive-Thru restaurant.
“The McDonald’s Vocational Apprenticeship Programme is part of the company’s efforts to raise the standards of human capital development and foster new talents among young people, in line with the national agenda. This is our commitment as a global company with a strong reputation in the food service industry,” said Azmir Jaafar, Managing Director and Local Operating Partner, McDonald’s Malaysia.
McDonald’s Vocational Apprenticeship Programme is an 18-month industry-oriented training programme which combines 70 percent of practical training in McDonald’s restaurants and 30 percent of theoretical lessons in the classroom. This programme is a collaboration between McDonald’s Malaysia and the Ministry of Human Resources Malaysia under the National Dual Training System (NDTS) introduced by the Ministry. Once these youths have completed their training, they will be awarded the Malaysian Skills Certificate Level 3 (SKM) accredited by the Ministry of Human Resources, and will be qualified for employment at McDonald’s restaurants or anywhere else within the food service industry in the country.
“As an industry leader, we at McDonald’s aim to be a platform for youths in Malaysia to build meaningful careers. This is a place where they can learn lifelong skills, fulfill their potential, and climb the career ladder within the food service industry, both on a local and international level. What matters most is that they are able to embrace the McDonald’s culture that emphasises quality in all aspects of the business, while also building close relationships within the McFamily,” Azmir added.
McDonald’s Vocational Apprenticeship Programme was introduced in 2018, and to date, more than 1,200 youths throughout the country have cumulatively participated and are participating in the programme. McDonald’s Malaysia is optimistic of reaching its target of 5,000 apprentices by the end of this year.
YBhg. Dato' Amir Bin Omar, Secretary General of Ministry of Human Resources was present at the graduation ceremony.
“The Ministry is very grateful to McDonald’s Malaysia for coming forward to offer their expertise in the food service industry. McDonald’s Malaysia is one of the few quick service restaurant operators to implement knowledge-sharing initiatives like this programme, which adds value to existing skills training programmes that are currently being offered, particularly the ones that involve industry partnerships. This is also in line with the government's efforts to address youth unemployment through participation in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET),” said YBhg. Dato 'Amir.
Youths participating in this programme are fully sponsored by McDonald’s Malaysia, which includes a monthly allowance of RM1,200, accommodation, medical and insurance benefits, as well as free meals. In total, McDonald’s Malaysia spends RM30,000 on each apprentice.
With over 14,000 employees nationwide, McDonald’s Malaysia prioritises talent and skills development among its workforce. In addition to the McDonald’s Vocational Apprenticeship Programme, the quick service restaurant operator has also introduced other talent development initiatives such as the McDonald’s Management Apprenticeship Programme and the partnership with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) for the university’s MBA programme.
For youths who would like to join McDonald’s Vocational Apprenticeship Programme, please visit https://www.maukerja.my/mcd/.
