McDonald's Accreditation A New Zealand First

In a first for New Zealand, McDonald's employees can now achieve nationally recognised qualifications by completing on the job training ? allowing them to "learn while they earn".

McDonald's Chief Executive, Alan Dunn, says employees now have the opportunity to work towards New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) accredited qualifications at both diploma and certificate level.

"As the first of its kind for any New Zealand company, this achievement is extremely exciting. McDonald's not only employs 6,000 people nationwide but is also the largest first time employer in the country. Our training has always been highly regarded by both the hospitality industry and wider business community - now we're taking this commitment to professional training to a new level," said Mr Dunn.

This achievement has been made possible through McDonald's close working relationships with its industry training organisation and education partners.

The Hospitality Standards Institute has assessed McDonald's training and will award a National Certificate in Hospitality Operations to McDonald's graduates.

At the diploma level, Auckland University of Technology and the Open Polytechnic of New Zealand will credit seven out of the 12 necessary papers for the New Zealand Diploma in Business (NZDipBus) to managers who have completed the McDonald's management development programme.

"We're proud of what we've achieved for our employees in conjunction with our industry training organisation and education partners. It's a great example of what industry and education can achieve by working together," said Mr Dunn.

The Auckland University of Technology and the Open Polytechnic of New Zealand agree their relationship with McDonald's is important to the development of vocational education.

"Both AUT and McDonald's are committed to ensuring our people are equipped with both the theoretical knowledge and practical ability to be immediately capable of making a difference that benefits the workplace," said Dr John Hinchcliff, Vice Chancellor of Auckland University of Technology.

The Hospitality Standards Institute believes the lessons learnt with McDonald's will benefit the industry.

"The McDonald's accreditation programme is a great example of how industry-sponsored training and modern apprenticeships can help develop the individual, the business and an entire industry," said Ian Harding, Director of the Hospitality Standards Institute.

McDonald's will continue to work with all three organisations to develop further educational opportunities for its employees.

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