Singapore, 4 April, 2008 University Accredited Programme (UAP), now with over 300 graduates, demonstrates McDonald's continual commitment towards employees’ education and career advancement

McDonald’s today honoured 119 graduates from its unique University Accredited Programme (UAP), an intensive training programme in Hospitality Operations, to obtain internationally-recognised accreditation from Australia’s University of Ballarat. The UAP not only provides these McDonald’s employees with opportunities for career advancement, but also the option to pursue degree and master programmes in universities across British Commonwealth.

McDonald’s University Accredited Programme was first launched in 2004 and is open to all employees, from crew to those holding managerial positions. It complements McDonald’s in-house training curriculum by providing continuous learning opportunities for their employees and being the best employer.

So far, McDonald’s has invested approximately $600,000 on this programme, which benefited over 300 employees, including this batch of graduates.

"We can grow as a company only if we enable our people to grow, contribute and feel pride in working at McDonald's," said Mr. Kenneth Chan, Managing Director of McDonald's Restaurants in Singapore.  “At McDonald’s, we take the lead to change mindsets in the industry by showcasing that service can offer an honorable, respectable and fulfilling career. McDonald’s University Accredited Programme epitomises our commitment to people development and career growth."

Ms Nurwahida, Floor Manager at McDonald's Chinatown Point said, “I am encouraged and driven by McDonald’s life long learning philosophy.  I took the opportunity of the University Accredited Programme that was given to me, and successfully advanced from a Crew to a Crew Leader, to my current position.  With the encouragement and support from Management and my colleagues, I’ve managed to further my studies – something which I previously thought wasn’t possible."

"McDonald's is dedicated to professional training and development for its employees.<>  UAP is one of our many initiatives to demonstrate and convince people that a career at McDonald’s is built on a strong foundation of opportunity and inclusion," added Ms Eunice Lee, Senior Director, HR Business Partner, SEA.  “We believe in providing equal opportunities, nurturing talent, developing leaders and rewarding achievement."

The programme is part of TAFE (Training and Further Education), an Australian national system of post-secondary vocational education and training.  In Singapore, the course is administered by local education provider Guilford School of Hospitality, and recognised by the Singapore Ministry of Education (MOE).

The programme comprises 6 levels of certification.  A Level 3 Certificate is equivalent to O levels in Singapore, while a Level 5 Certificate is equivalent to a diploma here.  Those who obtain a Level 5 or 6 Certification have the option to pursue a Bachelor’s degree programme at universities in the British Commonwealth.