Fast track to success
FAST food industry workers are highly sought after in a variety of industries as employers increasingly recognise their breadth of transferable skills.
Far from being a dead-end job, experts say those who work in fast-food outlets learn useful skills such as customer service, teamwork and conflict resolution.
Fast food workers are also starting to recognise the benefits of their experience, with a study by McDonald’s revealing 90 per cent of staff believe they have learned skills that were valuable for their future.
The research also showed 80 per cent of McDonald’s alumni thought working inrestaurant had improved their chances of securing their next job.
Steve Wyborn, chief operating officer of employment agency Sarina Russo, says employers are increasingly on the lookout for workers with fast food experience.
“We have an employer in the childcare sector that targets workers with fast food or hospitality experience due to their ability to relate to parents and carers — not just the kids,” Mr Wyborn says.
“The skills learnt in the fast food and hospitality industries — like customer service, workplace safety, teamwork and even conflict resolution — are highly regarded across all industries,” he says.
“The work environment in organisations like McDonald’s and (burger chain) Grill’d is highly structured and fast paced. Workers must quickly learn to multi-task, follow procedures and value customers.”
McDonald’s Australia chief people officer Jennifer St Ledger says more than $40 million is spent annually in training crew, restaurant management and corporate staff in skills that will serve them well in various careers.
“Macca’s is a starting point into the workforce for so many young people and, in many instances, turns into a longterm career,” Ms St Ledger says.
“Our crew tell us we help them develop a range of skills including communication, teamwork, problem solving and adaptability — all of which give them great foundations for a successful career, whether in the McDonald’s system or elsewhere.”
She says apart from working in-restaurant, McDonald’s offers internships in its legal department and paid work experience opportunities in supply chain, marketing and finance.
A two-year program for property graduates to work across McDonald’s real estate, construction, design and asset management sectors was also launched this year, with applications for the 2020 program to open soon.
Rachael Buxton, 24, started at McDonald’s while she was still at school and has now progressed to managing one of its restaurants, overseeing 200 employees.
Along the way, she has completed three nationally recognised certificates in leadership and management and says skills she has gained will stand her in good stead.
“There is a lot of responsibility, and it can be quite daunting, but the training sets you up for success,” Ms Buxton says.