Aidan is almost one year into the McDonald’s Management Degree Programme. He’s well on his way to becoming a Business Manager with a cost-free degree…
Experience, education and a salary: at McDonald’s, you can earn while you learn, and secure yourself a bright future career. Aidan Lancaster has chosen to do just that – almost twelve months into our Management Degree Programme, he’s well on his way to gaining a degree and becoming part of the next generation of McDonald’s Business Managers – leading multi-million pound restaurants.
BIO:
Aidan Lancaster, 18
Interests: Member of Eton Excelsior Rowing Club
Achievements: National Citizen Service Award, Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award
Why did you apply for the programme at McDonald’s?
I applied for the role because I wanted to find an apprenticeship role in a well-known, high reputation company. Going to university would have been a bad idea as I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I also have dyslexia so the Apprenticeship route was much better and the McDonald’s apprenticeship has been very welcoming to these factors.
What opportunities has the programme provided you so far?
I have been able to get involved in promoting Apprenticeships at large career events to other students. Day to day I get to see how the business operates but I have also been able to see part of McDonald’s supply chain and visit the main milk provider for McDonald’s to get some insider knowledge on how milk is distributed to our restaurants.
How transferable are the skills you are learning?
I like that I can apply my skills outside of work. I am a committed rower outside of work and the management skills I’ve learnt have made it easier to coach and lead. Those early shifts also help with my time management!
What do you like about working in the restaurant?
I am an active person and like to be on my feet and this is perfect for that, and every day is different. I also like the fact that everyone like a family – it’s all about team work.
How do you find balancing studying and working?
The balance between work and studying is great! All the managers are very supportive and if I have any questions, they are more than happy to help. Having flexibility to book time off also helps.
What qualities do you think you need to have to be successful in this role?
I think that you need to be open minded and positive. Interaction is key in the role – as you talk to both customers and your team mates. Work hard and have fun!
What advice would you give others considering a McDonald’s Apprenticeship?
If you like a fast pace busy environment and interacting with people from different background McDonald’s is the place for you. It may be difficult to begin with but working hard and sticking to the task in hand will lead you to greater things.
What do Aidan’s family and managers think?
Aidan’s dad, Andy Lancaster, Head of L&D at CIPD: ‘I am delighted with how Aidan is progressing on his McDonald’s management apprenticeship. The mix of being able to work and learn has really suited him with theory and processes being put into practice. It is great to see how his confidence has grown as he has developed in his crew training and team skills. The support, encouragement and trust he has been given by the restaurant management team has been excellent and key in his successful progress. It’s a great programme!’
Adie Twining, Operations Manager: ‘I’m delighted with the progress that Aidan has made during his time with us. From his first interview he demonstrated a desire to learn, so we’ve been keen to create an environment where he can develop practical skills that will serve him well in the years to come. He’s applied himself enthusiastically to his studies and quickly become an integral part of the team. I’m excited what the future holds for Aidan.’
Jenna Nicholls, Lifetime Trainer: ‘Aidan is doing really well. He has gone above and beyond with his independent learning, often requesting more work to be completed in between visits. He is young but shows knowledge beyond his experience and I feel he does embed McDonald’s ‘vital ingredients’ very well. He has been utilising his sessions to aid his development on the programme and I have no doubt he will continue to achieve above and beyond.’
Ram Kundra, Business Manager: ‘Aidan is a very enthusiastic and keen to learn individual, who is ambitious and self-driven. He joined us in September and in a very short period of time, completed his initial training and worked his way up to a Shift Manager position. He passed his shift leader exam with honours, which is an outstanding achievement, considering he has only worked with us for 7 months. He has a strong understanding of customer focus, which he applies on daily basis and also encourages his team do the same. I believe he has settled into the team very well and built a good rapport; all his colleagues are supportive of what he is working towards. I am excited to see Aidan develop further over the coming months.’
To read more of our Apprentice stories, visit people.mcdonalds.co.uk
