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Why Adult Learners Week is really making a difference

16th May 2011, 7:43am

As Adult Learners Week kicks off we find out how a trainee shift manager at McDonald's is turning his life around and discovering new prospects…

Amadou Gillen, 41 years old, trainee shift manager, McDonald's Trowbridge

Back in April 2009, Amadou was in a tough spot. As a single parent looking after his daughter in Trowbridge, Wiltshire, he had a lot of responsibility and wanted to do everything he could to make his daughter proud. He had only recently been made redundant from a tyre manufacturing company and, after a two-year stint in London working in construction, felt he had to go back home to be with his young daughter. He needed a job, but after successfully applying to work at the local McDonald's, he found himself with a career instead.

"At McDonald's, anything is possible," he says. "I didn't consider it at first, but now that I'm here, the progression routes are amazing – you feel like if you work hard you can get to where you want to be."

That's exactly what he's done. By focusing and working hard, he's quickly been able to climb the ranks and is now training to become a shift manager. McDonald's qualification programme helped a lot – Amadou completed his Level 2 Apprenticeship in Multi-Skilled Hospitality last year and is now studying towards a nationally recognised management diploma. He's also set his sights on a foundation degree in business management at some point in the future.

"Working and learning at McDonald's has allowed me to brush up on the basics and it's also great experience for my CV, making me a lot more employable. It's been hard work, particularly after so many years out of school, but it's worth it."

Amadou is now back on track and has high hopes for his time at McDonald's, aiming to become a business manager within the next 10 years. For him though, it's what his daughter thinks of him that counts most. "She was sceptical to start with, but as she's seen how I've progressed, I think she's become really proud of me."

Jez Langhorn, vice president, People, McDonald's UK, explained why the fast-food giant is so keen to get involved: "Events like Adult Learners Week can have a huge impact in inspiring people of all ages back into learning, and we've seen firsthand the benefits this brings. We're passionate about creating opportunities for our people and thousands of our employees are already studying towards nationally-recognised qualifications from apprenticeships to foundation degrees.

"Learning at work, not only boosts employee skills but also their confidence, which makes a big difference to the customer service they deliver, makes them more motivated, and means they stay with us for longer. I'd encourage anyone to give learning at work a try, and urge other employers to embed qualifications into their training programmes."

McDonald's Factsheet:

· Over 8,500 nationally recognised qualifications have been awarded to adult learners at McDonald's

· McDonald's has seen a surge in demand from adult learners. Uptake of Apprenticeships and Maths and English qualifications increased by 140% from 2009

· McDonald's is one of the country's largest providers of nationally recognised vocational qualifications

· McDonald's intends to create 3,000 new jobs in 2011

McDonald's as an employer:

· Over 16,000 employees are currently studying towards nationally-recognised qualifications while working with us

· Over 12,000 employees obtained national qualifications through McDonald's in 2010

· Qualifications portfolio: We provide a 'learning ladder' that people can ascend while they work, including a full range of qualifications:

o Level 2 BTEC in WorkSkills – received over 6,000 applications for our new work experience programme

o Adult certificates in Maths and English – equivalent of six school classes (187 people) gain adult certificates with McDonald's every week; over 5,000 of our workforce have passed their Maths and English qualification

o Level 2 Apprenticeship in Hospitality – over 3,200 apprenticeships completed to date, with 7,000 currently studying towards the qualification

o Level 3 Diploma in Shift Management – more than 1,900 completed to date

o Foundation Degree in Managing Business Operations – 50 business managers on the scheme

· Learning and development investment: McDonald's invests £36 million in training each year

· Career progression: 9 out of 10 restaurant managers started as crew; 1 in 5 franchisees started as crew

· Social mobility: according to research, published in 2009 by Leeds Metropolitan University, McDonald's is making a significant contribution to advancing social mobility

· Employee numbers: 67,000 in 2006; 72,000 in 2008; 80,000 by end of 2009; 85,000 end of 2010; expecting to create 3,000 additional jobs by end of 2011

· Job applications: On average 2,000 being received each day

· Employee confidence: 84% of employees feel proud to work at McDonald's and 94% believe the skills gained at McDonald's would be valuable to other employers

· Staff turnover: crew tenure - 2 ½ years, up from 18 months; restaurant management tenure 15 years; management turnover 4%

· Sales snapshot: 4 consecutive years of growth; over £250m sales added since 2006

Words Clare Riley 0 comments

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