Why did you choose a Degree Apprenticeship?

I was offered the Degree Apprenticeship opportunity by my franchisee when I was promoted to Assistant Manager in 2018. I did not know about the apprenticeship prior to this but when I had all the details, I could see that it was a fantastic opportunity for me to take my education to the next level whilst progressing in my career. 

Looking back over your time (so far), how have you found the whole experience?

It has certainly been challenging to find a balance between work and study. Over the few years, I have learnt that self-discipline combined with effective time management is essential to maintain commitments to both sides of work and study. 

There has been a wealth of support from both Manchester Met and my team in McDonald’s making the experience more comfortable and manageable. We go to Manchester Met for three weeks across the year for face-to-face lectures, which are very engaging with high-quality content that sets you up nicely for the assignments. 

I am just over halfway through my Degree Apprenticeship but, looking back, my progression has accelerated since starting on this journey and it will continue.  

The course has enabled me to see the business from a new perspective with a greater understanding of the systems and processes that are set up to bring success, which has given me more confidence in my role.

How are you hoping a Degree Apprenticeship will support your career progression?

The apprenticeship has helped boost my confidence in my role by giving me a greater understanding of the business I work in. This gives me high hopes for my future in McDonald’s as I hope to continue progressing in the company.  

What impact has your Degree Apprenticeship had in the organisation?

The projects I have completed during my apprenticeship have helped business profitability as I have gained insight into better controls of systems such as inventory management along with staff retention. 

One of my main takeaways so far has been the importance of people in the business and investing time in engaging your team to bring the best out of them. I believe that my approach to people management and development has left a lasting impression within the teams that I have worked with.  

Would you recommend a Degree Apprenticeship?

I would absolutely recommend the Degree Apprenticeship. For anyone like me, who had not been to university but always wanted the opportunity, this is it. 

Do you have any advice for future Degree Apprentices?

You will get out what you put in. If you are committed to the degree, then you will find it extremely beneficial to your development. Having the support of your restaurant team is perhaps the most important factor from the outset. The demand from your job can consume all your study time if the support is not there so make it clear from the start. 

You recently won the ‘Assistant Manager of the Year’ Award. What does it mean for you to win and to be recognised by McDonald’s? What aspects of your work contributed to you winning the award? 

Receiving the Assistant Manager of the Year award was easily the highlight of my career so far. It felt like a culmination of everything I have been working towards and believed in and I am extremely grateful to my franchisee, Richard and the senior management team for their ongoing support and this incredible recognition.