A McDONALD'S employee from Leigh has been recognised for her 'amazing progression' within the company as part of National Apprenticeship Week.

Abbi Jade Larner, business manager at the fast-food chain's branch in Leigh Town Centre, is also working towards completing a Level 4 Hospitality Management apprenticeship at its Parsonage Retail Park restaurant.

Reflecting on her time with the company so far, Abbi said: "I have gained a lot of new knowledge whilst completing my apprenticeship but have also been able to build on and develop current skills and knowledge I already have.

"Not only has my apprenticeship helped me in my job role at McDonald’s but the knowledge gained is very adaptable and it’s interesting to learn about different hospitality sectors rather than just my own.

"I have learnt a lot about leadership and have been able to use this to build my confidence and to lead my own team to personal and business successes.

"Working at McDonald's has given me options I just didn't have before.

"My family, friends and teammates are really behind me and my long-term goal is to use my new skills to help build confidence in my new business manager role and continue to progress throughout McDonald’s.

"I can also use these skills to help develop future apprentices too”.

McDonald’s has been offering award-winning apprenticeships for more than 18 years and continues to invest in the programme, with more than 20 different programmes available for employees across the country.

As the company enters its 50th year in the UK, it is celebrating a key milestone of supporting more than 20,000 apprentices across the UK since 2006.

The brand incorporated apprenticeships into its sustainability commitments and is looking for more than 600 to join the programme this year - a goal McDonald’s is reaffirming this National Apprenticeship Week.

Available in restaurants in local communities across the country, apprenticeships combine workplace training with studying, and 2023 saw more than 1,000 McDonald’s employees undertake nationally qualified qualifications across the year. 

McDonald’s is also announcing the launch of its brand-new internal Apprenticeship Awards, where the incredible achievements of stand-out apprentices and mentors will be celebrated at a special awards ceremony later this year.

James Thorne, SVP, chief people officer at McDonald's UK & Ireland, said: "We're incredibly proud of our long history of offering apprenticeships at McDonald’s, and want to encourage even more people to take advantage of our award-winning programmes.

"I've seen just how beneficial apprenticeships can be when it comes to personal growth and career progression and hope that the launch of the McDonald’s Apprenticeship Awards will inspire people to choose a scheme that will help them realise their full potential."

Lawrence Hilliker, who owns and operates five McDonald's restaurants across Leigh, Walkden and Tyldesley, said: "It is vital that all my employees feel able to pursue their ambitions and we’re delighted to have been able to offer the flexibility Abbi has needed to study and complete her apprenticeship.

"The team and I are hugely proud of Abbi, and I hope to see more of our people take advantage of the learning and development programmes McDonald’s has to offer.

"We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to gain experience and grow, and we're committed to providing our employees with the support they need to succeed."