Local McDonald’s franchisee Paul Booth teamed up with Jobcentre Plus and learndirect to hold a ‘How to get Hired’ workshop at his restaurant in Cockleberrry, Swindon. The free session is part of a pilot scheme that aims to help 18-24 year olds in Swindon who have been unemployed for longer than three months to build the skills and confidence needed to get their first career break.
Paul is also currently recruiting for 25 new job opportunities spanning all levels from crew through to management positions at his restaurants across Swindon in the coming weeks. During the workshop, young people heard from a number of staff from McDonald’s in Swindon, who gave them practical advice on job hunting following their own recent experiences. They were also given the chance to:
- Hear tips on how to write a CV by experts from learndirect
- Practice interview techniques with experienced McDonald’s managers
- Get practical advice on job hunting and what employees are looking for from Paul Booth
Paul Booth, McDonald’s Franchisee said: “As a local businessman, I’m a great supporter of local initiatives to help reduce youth unemployment in the area and have recently been involved with the Swindon Advertiser’s ‘Get Swindon Working’ campaign. I employ over 600 people across my restaurants in Swindon, Stroud, Cirencester and Gloucestershire and we are extremely proud to be one of the first McDonald’s restaurants in the UK to pilot the ‘How to get Hired’ workshop sessions. We hope that, together with Jobcentre Plus and learndirect, we will be able to help young people in Swindon get the skills and confidence needed to get a foot on the first rung of the career ladder.”
Michael Bingham, McDonald’s employee, aged 19 said: “Having been through the job seeking process first-hand, I know how tough it can be for young people to get onto the career ladder. It took me a few months after coming out of education to find an opportunity, and I was thrilled when McDonald’s offered me my first job. McDonald’s has provided me with a great career path, having already progressed to Trainee Manager, and I plan to continue climbing the ladder. My advice for jobseekers is to try to get as much experience as possible, as this will show they have the skills and the drive needed to work in their chosen field. Volunteering is one of many ways that young people can increase their employability. I chose to volunteer part time in a number of sectors to try and get a breadth of experience. This not only increased my confidence when it came to the application process but has also helped me in my role now.”
Tomlinson, Swindon MP added: “It’s great to see local businesses like Paul’s showing support for youth employment. Today has provided valuable insight and tips for young people trying to get their first step on the career ladder.”
Dereth Wood, Director of Learning at learndirect, said: "Each year we work with thousands of young people, helping them develop the skills and attributes we know employers like McDonald’s want. By providing them with practical advice about work and offering opportunities such as Traineeships and Apprenticeships, we can help build the foundations for the future. We know the right attitudes and behaviours are as important as skills for employers, which is why initiatives such as this are so important. We’re delighted to play our part and, in doing so, build upon the new partnership between learndirect and McDonald’s.”
Neil Couling, head of Jobcentre Plus said: "I am committed to ensuring that Jobcentres give young people all the help they need to have a good start to their careers. That’s why we have been working with employers up and down the country to encourage them to provide training and work experience opportunities to help young people get into work. The aim of the event being piloted by McDonald’s today is to give young people the chance to gain the skills necessary to get a job. I look forward to hearing about the impact it’s had.”
