Teenagers to get McGCSEs (From The Oxford Times)

Teenagers to get McGCSEs

6:43pm Wednesday 17th March 2010 in

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TEENAGERS completing work experience at branches of McDonald’s across the county are to be awarded a qualification equivalent to a good GCSE.

Mike Heapy, who owns the franchise at restaurants in Didcot, Witney and Benson, is to become the first employer in the area to offer an EdExcel accredited Level Two BTEC in work skills.

If the 15-year-old Students complete the 10-day stint with flying colours they will be awarded the qualification, which is the equivalent of a B-grade GCSE.

They would have to work in the kitchen at the world famous fast food chain, master the tills and complete a mock interview.

Mr Heapy said it was a valuable qualification, which would be recognised by other employers as proof of communication skills and team work.

He said: “Unfortunately, there are people who think you don’t have to be very bright to work in McDonald’s.

“You don’t have to have qualifications, but it is a demanding role in a fast-paced environment.

“There are a lot of balls to be kept in the air.

“When you come in and order a Big Mac, fries and a milkshake, it looks effortless, and you go and sit down.

“But it takes a lot of planning and complexity to make that happen.”

Students will be able to apply to McDonald’s to do work experience, with the added incentive of earning the qualification.

The National Database of Accredited Qualifications said the work skills qualification equipped young people and adults with skills to get – and retain – a job.

Mr Heapy added: “To be able to come in for work experience and leave with the equivalent of a GCSE is fantastic.

“This is a hands-on based work experience qualification, not something learnt in a classroom.

“For 10 days, people on work experience will really get a feel of how they operate in a restaurant.”

He added: “We’re trying to understand what young people are looking for and fulfil that need.”

In 2008, McDonald’s, Network Rail and budget airline FlyBe were the first three companies to be given awarding body status by the Qualifications Curriculum Authority.

It meant the firms can award qualifications themselves.

The fast food chain already offers apprenticeships lasting between four and eight months and equivalent to five GCSEs at A* to C.

Meanwhile, the company’s Diploma in Shift Management is equivalent to an A-Level.

Staff can also study online during their staffroom breaks to work towards academic qualifications.

Mr Heapy said: “You can do GCSEs in Maths and English, so people with nothing can take it right the way through.

“Theoretically, you could go up to doctorate level.

“It is unbelievable.”