McDonald's Malaysia Provides Career Growth Pathway For Youths

SHAH ALAM, July 2 (Bernama) -- His dream of pursuing a culinary career was nearly dashed when his application to continue his studies at a vocational college was rejected after completing secondary school.

Nearly discouraged by the setback, Muhammad Hfiy Haikal Ruslan found renewed hope after following his mother’s advice to join the McDonald’s Malaysia Vocational Apprenticeship Programme, which gave him a second chance to realise the ambition he had nurtured since childhood.

Now, a year later, the 18-year-old has successfully obtained the Fast Food Supervision and Operations Certificate through the McDonald’s Malaysia Vocational Academy programme, marking the first step in his serious pursuit of a career in the field.

“Even though I was involved in an accident, went into a coma, and needed three months to recover, McDonald’s Malaysia still gave me the chance to continue my studies. I’m truly grateful for this opportunity,” he said.

He said this when met after the 5th Convocation Ceremony of the McDonald’s Malaysia Vocational Academy held recently, which saw 1,150 graduates receiving the Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM) Level 3 and Malaysian Skills Diploma (DKM) Level 4.

The McDonald’s Malaysia Vocational Apprenticeship Programme is a curriculum developed in collaboration with the Department of  Skills Development (JPK) under the Ministry of Human Resources, through the National Dual Training System (SLDN).

For Wak Jenny Azman, 21, the programme was more than just a training opportunity, as it allowed her to earn a living while studying, enabling her to help support her family financially.

“Insya-Allah, if given the opportunity, I will pursue my studies to a higher level. For those who are interested, I encourage you to seize the opportunity to join this programme, as it offers valuable experience, new knowledge, and a chance to expand your network,” said the crew leader, who oversees eight team members at a McDonald’s outlet.

Meanwhile, McDonald’s Malaysia managing director and local operating partner Datuk Azmir Jaafar said that despite facing various challenges, the fast food company remained committed to making a positive impact on society.

According to him, those enrolled in the programme enjoyed several benefits, including monthly allowances, hostel facilities, complimentary meals and drinks, along with insurance and medical protection.

“Overall, McDonald’s Malaysia spent approximately RM40,000 on each apprentice throughout the course of their participation in the programme.

“Alhamdulillah, our efforts have borne fruit. After seven years, over 5,000 have joined the programme, with 80 per cent still serving with McDonald’s Malaysia and developing meaningful careers,” he said.

Azmir said that apart from the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme, which offers education up to the Malaysian Skills Advanced Diploma (DLKM) level, McDonald’s Malaysia employees were also provided the opportunity to pursue higher education through partnerships with local universities offering bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes.

These include the Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) at the Azman Hashim International Business School, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), and the Bachelor’s Degree (Honours) in Food Service Industry at Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM).

“A Form Three school leaver who joins our TVET programme has the opportunity to study from the SKM level up to bachelor’s and master’s degree levels, with McDonald’s Malaysia covering the full cost,” Azmir said.

--BERNAMA