Want coursework with that? Swansea fast food firm to offer business degree

by - 30/11/2010

"A FAST food giant is offering its staff the chance to discover the ingredients to running a successful business."

Workers at selected McDonald's restaurants are being offered the opportunity to apply for a place to gain a foundation degree in managing business operations.

The course has been developed with Manchester Metropolitan University which will accredit the management development programme.

The foundation degree will offer a mix of academic study and on the job learning.
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McDonald's is launching a prospectus which is available in careers advice centres across Swansea.

Former dairy farmer Ron Mounsey now has nine outlets from Pembroke to Briton Ferry, including six in Swansea, employing 360 people.

The 55-year-old decided on a complete sea change in his career due to the physical toll of farming.

He was attracted to becoming a franchisee after reading an article on the concept in Reader's Digest.

Mr Mounsey said: "Faced with uncertain times ahead, young people want the flexibility to be able to study and earn at the same time.

"Now, with the evolution of good apprenticeships and credible foundation degrees, they no longer have to choose between education and employment.

"I've always valued skills and experience in potential recruits and now we provide a full learning ladder that our people can ascend to gain qualifications that complement their skills while they earn.

"I've seen first-hand how the full range of education programmes available to my teams increases their productivity, efficiency and confidence.

"That's good news for customers and good news for staff."

Mr Mounsey said the success of his business was down to the hard work of his staff.

He said: "I'm proud of all my people, whether they're an 18-year-old crew member and qualified apprentice or a restaurant manager with a foundation degree because they all work hard to improve their skills and qualifications. Their ambitions and hard work are what make our businesses successful which is why our new advertising reveals the real people behind the McDonald's uniform."

David Fairhurst, chief people officer at McDonald's, said: "We see ourselves as an educator just as much as an employer. Tuition fees are rising and university places are increasingly hard to come by.

"There is a role for employers to fill that gap and provide a new model of learning."