New benefit aims to help thousands of McDonald's employees save more than $20,000 in fees
McDonald's is rolling out a nationwide program that will allow employees to earn micro-credentials at work that can count for credits at select universities.
The new "Archways to Opportunity" program allows McDonald's crew coaches and managers to earn up to eight verified and transferable micro-credentials through on-the-job learning, face-to-face training, and workplace experience.
These micro-credentials can be applied to universities nationwide and credited towards a degree in courses including HR, business, commerce, management, technology, and IT.
They can also be stacked together for direct entry to a Master of Business Administration.
Joe Chiczewski, CEO of McDonald's , said the program shows that the skills and training that employees get from working for McDonald's are valuable and recognised.
"To be able to work, earn a wage and have your training and experience count towards tertiary education is an incredible opportunity, a powerful career advantage, and an investment we are proud to lead at Macca's," Chiczewski said in a statement.
The program is open to 20,000 McDonald’s employees, who are expected to save more than $20,000 in fees and shave off up to one year of total study time required to complete a bachelor's degree.
Participating universities
According to McDonald's, the universities involved in the program include:
- University of Technology Sydney (UTS)
- Torrens University Australia
- Adelaide University
- James Cook University
- Curtin University
- Charles Darwin University
- University of Tasmania
- University of Canberra
- University of New England
- Swinburne University
"UTS welcomes this opportunity to partner with McDonald’s on what is an incredible step forward in providing employer-led pathways to higher education," said Alana Piper, deputy vice-chancellor (external engagement and partnerships) from UTS, in a statement.
"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."
The program makes McDonald's the first organisation in the country to have its internal training and on-the-job training recognised by multiple universities.
It follows a successful pilot earlier this year with Capability.Co, Torrens University, and the University of South Australia.
"Archways to Opportunity exemplifies what's possible when we recognise the real skills people develop every day at work. Together with McDonald's, we're opening the door to lifelong learning, career mobility, and greater equity in education," said Kate Britt, CEO, Capability.Co, in a statement.
