Brooke Petch, 20, completed a school-leaver degree programme through McDonald’s and Lifetime Training that ‘changed her life’
“If somebody had told me a year ago, I would be working at McDonald’s, I would have laughed—and yet it is the best decision I’ve ever made and I wouldn’t change a thing. I had already applied for university when I received an email from UCAS about degree apprenticeships. I had never heard of them before, so decided to look into it. McDonald’s couldn’t be more supportive of its apprentices.”
I’m based in a store just 10 minutes from home, have an amazing mentor and regular ‘apprenticeship days’ so I can focus on getting my work done—all whilst being paid.”
“All the topics and activities I cover during my apprenticeship are relevant to the environment I work in. Already it has made me a better manager as it gives me the knowledge that I can put into practice on the shop floor. I have also been given some amazing opportunities through my apprenticeship that I would never have experienced had I ‘just’ gone to university. I’ve even been to parliament to meet MPs and talk to them about how brilliant degree apprenticeships are!”
“Thanks to McDonald’s I now have a future career as well as level 3 and level 6 qualifications. It can be challenging, but it’s so rewarding and has pushed me to do things I never thought I was
capable of; and I’ve made lifelong friends along the way. I would 100% recommend an apprenticeship—I don’t know why everyone doesn’t do it! It has changed my life.”
Lauren Neal, Brooke’s operations consultant, said: “When I first interviewed Brooke I immediately saw her potential. Over the past year, the apprenticeship programme has further developed her capabilities not only in managing the restaurant but also as a leader and inspiration to those around her. Brooke’s confidence has grown, and she is a true asset to her restaurant.”
To learn more, visit people.mcdonalds.co.uk/early-career-opportunities/apprenticeship-programme
