McDonald’s launches 2,500 paid work placements to tackle youth unemployment

McDonald’s has launched a 2,500-strong paid work placement programme, which it claims is the UK’s largest in-person work experience programme to date.

The initiative has launched in tandem with the fast food restaurant’s inaugural Youth Confidence Index, which found that 67% of young people would love to do work experience but believe there are not enough opportunities to do so.

The scheme is set to scale year-on-year and will focus on employment opportunities in regions with a high proportion of young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET).

Successful applicants will gain experience across a range of McDonald’s operations over a five-day work placement, including customer service, Drive Thrus and inventory checks.

The scheme, which is open to applicants over the age of 16, comes as youth unemployment across the UK approaches one million.

McDonald’s UK and Ireland chief executive Lauren Schultz said: “At McDonald’s, we believe in the potential and ability of young people and want to help them make it. With over 100,000 employees under 25 across the UK, we have the reach to make a real difference and are uniquely positioned to open doors at scale.

“Everything a young person needs to learn about the world of work, from communication to financial skills, can be mastered at McDonald’s. By helping thousands gain this exposure and build confidence, we are creating a genuine pathway into employment and demonstrating the transformative power the hospitality sector can have on our national workforce.”