Trainee manager Review

At McDonalds, I am a trainee manager, which means hopefully one day I shall run my own store. I am currently a shift manager which means that I am in charge of the shift I work so am responsible for all the customers and staff in the store and ensuring everyone is happy. Every day is different at McDonald’s, you are never quite sure what’s going to happen so we always have to be prepared for large volumes of customers/high sales at any time.

Since starting at McDonald’s I have learned many new skills such as running a shift and being in charge of a store that has extreme volumes of sales. I have grown in confidence massively and now feel comfortable to go into work and be in charge of 50 staff and customers, due to all the help and support I have been given. I am also currently doing a level 3 apprenticeship in hospitality supervision which is improving my English writing skills as well as developing my knowledge in the hospitality industry.

I absolutely love the McDonald’s degree programme. I have made some life long friends and have had fun doing so. It can get tough working a full time job whilst doing a degree apprenticeship at the same time, but there is a brilliant structure in place to ensure I am given the time I need. There’s also a clear structure of who I can go to if I need help and have been dedicated a mentor who is amazing and is always checking up to make sure I’m doing well and getting the support I need.

The apprenticeship is extremely well structured with clear deadlines and dates set both within McDonald’s and with the external training provider: Lifetime. I have a hierarchy support system so I always have somebody I can contact if I am unsure of something or need advice. It’s always clear and concise what I am aiming for/working on and all expectations are clearly set.

McDonald’s could not be more supportive of the apprenticeship and the hard work that goes into completing it. I always have somebody to talk to and my dedicated mentor is always on hand to help out whenever I need her. I also have monthly HIG (how’s it going) chats with my mentor/BM/trainer to talk about my work and my personal life and if there’s anything extra that can be done to support me, which is amazing.

My Lifetime trainer cannot be faulted. He is absolutely amazing and is always just an email/phone call away. Even though he has multiple students doing the apprenticeship, you would think that with the undivided attention and support we are given, that he only just had me. No worry/question is too silly or small and I am able to contact him any time. He is also very accommodating about visits and understands the busy retail environment so is always willing to cater visits around me.

Both qualifications, the level 3 in hospitality supervision and the Degree itself are helpful in my role as they teach my techniques to put into practise in the workplace and are also relevant to McDonald’s and activities are based around my work, so everything I learn is relevant to when I go back to work so I can put it into practise. Skills such as coaching/having difficult conversations and actively listening have hugely helped me improve on my skills as a manager and because of my training I am able to be a good manager.

We hold some social events in for our store group such a crew social events for all the staff from the group to come and get involved in. We also have managers nights out and also a salaried event where we have 1 day work course then a meal. We also hold love where you live events which is where we give back to the community and do things such as litter picks or charity football events.

Yes

Because the experience and qualifications I am getting are second to none all the while getting paid for it. Although it is hard work, I’ve made some lifelong friends and have really enjoyed the overall experience. The opportunities I have been given I wouldn’t get anywhere else. All whilst coming out with no student debt!

Make sure you’re prepared, have a strong work ethic and are willing to work hard and put in the hours. Make friends along the way and take every opportunity given to you but also make sure you balance your work life alongside your personal life as it’s still important to take time for yourself.