Got a job at Macca’s? You can now use it to earn uni credit
McDonald’s Australia has just launched Archways to Opportunity – a first-of-its-kind program that turns workplace training into university-recognised microcredentials. All that problem-solving on the drive-thru headset or leadership during a busy Friday night shift could now count towards a business, commerce, management, HR, tech or IT course.
From the crew to the classroom
Here’s how it works. McDonald’s Crew Coaches and Managers can earn up to eight verified and transferable microcredentials, completing a combo of on-the-job learning, online and face-to-face training. Participants get to pick from the following menu:
- Problem Solving & Data
- Leadership
- Engagement & Coaching
- Direction & Purpose
- Customer Focus
- Communication
- Collaboration
- Agile & Innovative
Each credential can be recognised by some of Australia’s leading universities, counting for up to one subject credit. Stacked together, they can even add up to direct entry into a Master of Business Administration! In some cases, it can mean saving more than $20,000 in fees and shaving a year off study time. Cha-ching!
Want to know where you can cash in that credit? Try University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Torrens University Australia, the new Adelaide University, James Cook University, Curtin University, Charles Darwin University, the University of Tasmania, the University of Canberra, the University of New England, Swinburne University and specialist training provider the William Angliss Institute. So there are plenty of study options for you around the country!
Want a side of fries with your work-based learning?
“Macca’s has always been famous for our exceptional skills and training programs, and we proudly invest millions of dollars every year into helping our people grow their skills and capabilities,” says McDonald’s Australia CEO Joe Chiczewski. “Archways to Opportunity is the next evolution of that commitment and shows our people that the skills and training they build at Macca’s are real, valuable and recognised beyond our restaurants.”
UTS Deputy Vice Chancellor Dr Alana Piper adds, “We’ve long recognised that university and career pathways aren’t always linear, and there is incredible value in recognising and integrating work-based training with academic study.”
With more than 20,000 Macca’s employees eligible nationwide, the golden arches are now a gateway to higher education. Time to bite off more career opportunities than you can chew!
