McDonald's talent development programs offer diversified job experiences

Chen said the Modern Apprentice model and the "New-Type of Apprentice Model for Enterprises "represent a key path to train highly skilled workers.

"The success of this apprentice-centered mechanism hinges on deeply engaged enterprises," Chen added. "McDonald's is such an example of enhancing training programs for young talent that fully taps into its strengths in talent training and absorption."

The company has participated from the very beginning in the enrollment process. When admitted, students will take on two roles－a registered school student and an employee trained by McDonald's.

By doing so, students can achieve rapid career development while studying in school. If everything goes smoothly, graduates can receive employment certificates as McDonald's restaurant general managers, according to the company.

Professors at McDonald's Hamburger University have tailor-made nearly 100-week long curricula and training plans for apprentices, fully covering all aspects of knowledge for restaurant operations including floor management, inventory management, food safety, human resources management, sales promotion and profit management.

Moreover, McDonald's has been focusing on passing on lifelong skills to students, such as skills for communication, coordination, cooperation, building influence and enhancing leadership.

The company has integrated professional standards of the catering industry into the school curriculum, and combined school education with restaurant management training.

According to its model, apprentices spend three days a week working in restaurants and another two days studying in schools to ensure complementary progress in curriculum learning and skills application.

Apart from teachers, McDonald's has chosen its experienced management talent from mentors, who are in charge of apprentice-training management in restaurants and assessments according to key performance indicators.

The Modern Apprentice class that allowed Gao Yuyi from Yintai to learn by practice and example since his sophomore year contributed to his success in landing a management job at the world leading catering company, Gao said.

"I was appointed as general manager at a McDonald's restaurant last year, in charge of a team of more than 50 people, from various backgrounds and an age gap of over 50 years," Gao recalled.

Instantly he discovered that what he had learned from the institute－in terms of management and communication skills－was far from enough.

"Luckily, McDonald's training and my mentors at restaurants offered me clear and substantial guidance."

The company's program focusing on training for younger recruits in China is driven mainly by the structure of the current job market made up mainly of younger job seekers, said Wang Yanwei, chief human resources officer at McDonald's China.