With youth unemployment (15-19 year olds) in the Wide Bay region running at about 38%, BUSY At Work and McDonalds are working together to provide satisfying and rewarding careers for young people.
Earlier this month six more students signed up for traineeships with the fast food restaurant.
BUSY At Work Regional Manager Business Relations (South), Sheryl Parker said BUSY had worked collaboratively with McDonalds over the past two years to assist them with signing 68 students into traineeships in Hervey Bay.
“The teenage full time unemployment rate in this region is very high and as there is a strong correlation between education and employment it is important that young people have the opportunity to take up traineeships where they live.”
“Through this traineeship they will develop the necessary skills and experience and receive a nationally recognised qualification,” Ms Parker said.
BUSY At Work is an established not for profit organisation providing career opportunities to jobseekers through apprenticeship, traineeships and community programs. BUSY is responsible for registering the training contracts with the State and Federal authorities.
McDonalds Hervey Bay HR Manager, Toni Biden said McDonalds had an excellent training culture that helped young people realise their career pathways.
“The trainees have the opportunity to have a genuine career path with McDonalds moving through the chain to eventually become a store manager or even own their own store. They can also use their training as means to studying at university or choose another career in a different industry,” Ms Biden said.
Young people commencing with McDonalds can start their traineeship while still at school studying for their Certificate II and Certificate III in Retail. If they wish to, they can do further study with McDonalds if that is their chosen career.
Ms Biden said the opportunity for young people to gain certified training in the retail industry was a bonus for any future employers as they will be recognised as already having a strong work ethic and understanding of what it is like to work in a fast paced working environment.
BUSY At Work CEO, Paul Miles said BUSY At Work was proud to continue its association with McDonalds Hervey Bay.
“This is a great example of the benefits of a combined school/work training program allowing students to earn while they learn. McDonalds have an excellent training program for young people which allows them to develop a strong work ethic.”
“BUSY at Work are committed to working with McDonalds to ensure they have a quality recruitment to support the local community,” Mr Miles said.
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MEDIA CONTACT: Leanne Macnamara, Public Relations Coordinator 0438 173 960 leanne.macnamara@busyatwork.com.au
