School Leaver Degree Apprenticeship

Come join the McDonald’s Experience with the McDonald’s School Leaver Degree Apprenticeship (England only)

Looking for a role where your energy, hospitality, and teamwork make a real impact? At McDonald's, we're not just serving food, we're creating moments. As a McDonald’s School Leaver Degree Apprentice, you'll be at the heart of our restaurant’s customer experience, learning how to deliver great hospitality, clean spaces, and friendly service through your team.

What We Stand For

At McDonald’s, our employees are at the heart of everything we do. McDonald’s is built on five core values: Serve, Inclusion, Integrity, Community, and Family. These values guide how we work together, how we treat our customers, and how we support each other. We’re committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace where opportunity is open to all.

What does the School Leaver Degree Apprenticeship look like?

The School Leaver Degree Apprenticeship gives you the opportunity to follow a structured training programme across 5 years. It leads to valuable and nationally recognised qualifications including a Level 3 Apprenticeship (Hospitality Supervisor), and the opportunity to gain a Level 6 Chartered Management Degree from Manchester Metropolitan, and Chartered Manager status from the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). 

As a School Leaver Degree Apprentice, you’ll immerse yourself in the heart of our business, gaining hands-on experience across every area of our restaurant operations. From working in our kitchens and service areas to engaging with customers and supporting our drive-thru, you’ll learn how our values come to life in real time, building the confidence and capability to make a meaningful impact across all day parts. As you gain momentum and experience, you’ll begin to take ownership of shifts, learning how to lead and inspire your team to succeed, along with beginning to build knowledge of the key restaurant systems like Health & Safety, People Systems and Scheduling. 

From years 2-5 of the programme, you'll get the opportunity to spend 3-4 day residential blocks on campus at University, completing theoretical degree modules whilst following the McDonald's management curriculum alongside this. You will gain extensive, hands-on practical experience and progress through different management roles – you’ll help make real business decisions and could even go on to manage your own restaurant.

Position Requirements: To apply you’ll need to have,

• 104–112 predicted or actual UCAS points (A level grades BCC – BBC) or equivalent alternative qualifications.
• GCSE grade C or 4 in English and Maths. Level 2 Functional Skills English and Maths are also accepted. *Please note, proof of qualifications will be requested during the recruitment process.
• You will need to have been a resident in the UK for 3 or more years (ETW must be provided)
• To be eligible to apply, applicants should not be enrolled in any other form of government-funded education (e.g. university or college) for the duration of the programme. 

We’re looking for individuals who are: 

• People comfortable with rolling up their sleeves and getting involved - the role is very hands on and is about being a role model and leading from the front. This means you'll spend a lot of time on the restaurant floor motivating your staff and delivering a great customer experience. 
• Quick learners that have providing a great customer experience and delivering high standards at the forefront of their minds.
• The ability to maintain high energy levels whilst working efficiently.
• Those that have an aptitude towards problem solving, decision making, motivating, leading and inspiring others.
• This Full-time position requires working across a variety of shifts covering weekdays, weekends, mornings, evenings, and overnight hours. To be considered for this role, candidates must be fully flexible and able to meet these scheduling requirements. Please only apply if you are able to meet these requirements. 

What’s in it for you?

We offer a rewards and benefits package designed to support you both at work and beyond, including:

• Progressive salary
• Full tuition costs covered by McDonald’s
• 2 qualifications and Chartered Manager Status from the CMI
• Access to all facilities at the partnering university, including state-of-the-art libraries, student support and career services.
• You will be placed in a cohort with other students so that you can support each other throughout the programme
• A clear route for progression within McDonald’s – increased responsibility and rewards as you progress
• Regular performance reviews and support to keep you on track and promote your development
• Many other great benefits specific to your restaurant

Additional role information: