My learning: How McDonald's developed Lifelong Learning

Objective:

• To foster a learning culture in the organisation
• To build a reputation as a supportive employer and reduce staff turnover.

Context

• McDonald's has 72,000 employees in the UK and employs around 10,000 first jobbers every year, many of whom have no formal qualifications or work experience.
• A key challenge was tempting people who lacked confidence back into learning.

Approach taken

• All employees can gain GCSE equivalent qualifications in English and Maths; work towards McDonald's internal first line management qualification; study for a hospitality apprenticeship and diploma in shift management, equivalent to an NVQ level 3.
• McDonald's become one of the first three employers to achieve awarding body status through the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority.
• Qualifications and training are delivered and supported online through My Learning on the company intranet site.
• PCs have been installed in every restaurant in the country and crew members (staff) can sit exams at one of around 100 McDonald's restaurants that are accredited exam centres.

Results

• 80% of employees are engaged with McDonalds' learning programme
• 5,560 learners are registered with My Learning.
• From 2010 there will be 10,000 Apprenticeship places.
• Staff turnover has been dramatically reduced and McDonald's experienced its best retention rates ever in 2008.
• Employee satisfaction is at a record high.