Young people on work placement at McDonald's can gain a GCSE-equivalent qualification

It is hoped the new McDonald's qualification, launched today, will recognise their work skills and achievements.

The resulting qualification - equivalent to one GCSE B-C and accredited by leading awarding body Edexcel - requires each learner to complete a 10-day placement that covers teamwork, communication skills and even gives the individual mock interview practice at the start and finish of the placement. In addition, the learner must complete the remaining fifth of the work-experience module in their normal school environment.

The move comes as young people seek job opportunities in a fiercely competitive jobs market, and a new poll of 2,000 14-19 year-olds reveals that quality work experience has become a CV must-have for UK teens.

According to the survey, commissioned by McDonald's, more than eight in 10 (86%) of young people said a strong academic record is no longer enough to guarantee a good job, and 81% agreed that high-quality work experience gives young people the employment edge.  

Those polled also expressed strong support for work-experience qualifications: 86% agreed it is more valuable if it leads to a national qualification proving workplace skills.

While Britain's teenagers expressed a strong appetite for gaining work skills, they spoke out about their disappointment with the quality of opportunities currently on offer. More than half (51%) believed there are not enough quality placements available, and among these, 81% felt employers are failing young people as a result.

One in five (22%) felt their host employer had not planned the placement well enough in advance.

David Fairhurst, chief people officer, McDonald's UK & Northern Europe, said: "This is the first time a work-experience programme has been aligned to a nationally-recognised qualification, and at McDonald's we believe it has the potential to raise the expectations of employers, educators and students alike.

"Whether people join McDonald's for two weeks' work experience or a full-time job, the aim is helping them build their confidence, gain transferable qualifications and fulfil their potential. Now, a placement will give young people on-the-job experience in a fast-paced business environment, a great set of all-round skills for any workplace, and a national qualification to increase their employability."

Stephen Howard, chief executive, Business in The Community, added: "We're delighted to welcome this innovative initiative from McDonald's to get more young people into the workplace. As a champion of our Work Inspiration campaign, McDonald's has already contributed to our national business-led movement to ensure that young people's first contact with the world of work is inspiring, meaningful and relevant. We hope that other businesses, of all sizes, will follow McDonald's example by taking a leadership position on this important issue."