Marvin OnumonuMcDonald’s UK has launched a new in-person work experience programme, offering 2,500 paid placements in its first year for young people across the UK.
The programme aims to tackle youth unemployment and support those struggling to get their first job.
It will focus on areas where access to opportunity is lowest, with a quarter of placements targeted at young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) or at risk of becoming NEET.
Research from McDonald’s found that 67% of young people wanted to do work experience but said there were not enough opportunities.
69% said the lack of local placements was a major barrier and 61% said they could not afford to do unpaid work experience.
Lauren Schultz, CEO of McDonald’s UK & Ireland, 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.”
Schultz added: “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.”
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Pat McFadden, said: “We’re tackling youth unemployment head on by backing young people with the skills and support they need, while working with employers to open more doors.
“McDonald’s have a strong track record of supporting and training up young people, and it is fantastic to see them using their position to help even more overcome barriers and set them up for successful careers.
“This shows what’s possible when government and business help young people into work.”
Alan Milburn, Chair of the Government’s Young People and Work Review, said: “The scale of youth unemployment and the NEET crisis facing the UK is a national outrage with long-term consequences.
“Young people want to work, but too often the system shuts them out.
“High-quality work experience delivered at scale can be transformative, and McDonald’s commitment shows the kind of leadership employers need to demonstrate if we’re serious about giving every young person a fair start.”
Haroon Chowdry, CEO at the Centre for Young Lives, said: “Our research is clear: young people want to work.
“They have hopes and ambition, but what they often lack are opportunity and support.
“Every young NEET is a person who has been let down by the system, because they did not receive the help they needed – such as key skills, experiences, or support for SEND or mental health – when and where they needed it.”
Chowdry added: “It is possible to turn the tide on the number of young NEETs, but this will require joint ambition and action from the whole of government – not just DWP, but also schools, colleges, local authorities, health, family hubs and youth support.
“It also relies on employers stepping up – which is why we welcome today’s announcement from McDonald’s that will unlock new opportunities for thousands of young people across the country.”
Lee Elliot Major, professor of social mobility at the University of Exeter, said: “We don’t have a shortage of talent in this country, we have a shortage of opportunity.
“By offering paid work experience at scale, McDonald’s is showing how businesses can boost social mobility and productivity, potentially transforming the life chances of thousands of young people.”
During the five-day placement, young people over 16 will get hands-on experience in restaurant operations, learning about business, hospitality, customer service, inventory and problem-solving.
They will also receive guidance on interview techniques and time management.
