Vocational education opportunities for secondary students at McDonald’s Vocational Academy

McDonald’s Malaysia supports the government’s agenda to promote Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) amongst the youth 

(Seated left) Yang Berusaha Tuan Haji Azman bin Haji Adnan, Director of Vocational Technical Education and Training Division, Ministry of Education Malaysia and (seated right) Azmir Jaafar, Managing Director and Local Operations Partner, McDonald's Malaysia during the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to offer the Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia (SKM) Mod Sistem Latihan Dual Nasional (SLDN) for Form 3 students, as witnessed by the Yang Berbahagia Dr. Habibah binti Abdul Rahim, Director General of Education Malaysia, Ministry of Education Malaysia.

McDonald’s Malaysia and the Ministry of Education Malaysia recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to offer the Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM) in the National Dual Training System (SLDN) mode for secondary students after Form 3. Through this strategic collaboration, vocational college students participating in the food service programme offered by McDonald’s Malaysia will be awarded the SKM Level 3 by the Department of Skills Development under the Ministry of Human Resources Malaysia, upon completion of the programme.

“On behalf of McDonald’s Malaysia, we are pleased and proud that the Ministry of Education Malaysia, through the Technical and Vocational Education Division (BPLTV) has given a nod of approval and recognition for McDonald’s Vocational Academy to offer skills-based learning to vocational college students. Through this programme, we will be able to provide more youths with the opportunity to fulfill their potential, learn new skills, and build their career in the food service industry. Our global standards are what sets us apart and this is the key differentiation factor that we want to share with these youths,” said Azmir Jaafar, Managing Director and Local Operating Partner, McDonald’s Malaysia.

Azmir added that the strategic collaboration has further motivated McDonald’s Malaysia to continue playing a key role in supporting the government’s agenda of producing a highly skilled and competitive workforce.

The Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM) in the National Dual Training System (SLDN) mode for vocational college students will see a recruitment of 59 students as part of the pioneer batch. McDonald’s Malaysia and ERT Setapak Vocational College recently held a joint open briefing for students and parents. Response from parents and students was very encouraging. Currently, ERT Setapak Vocational College is the only vocational college that offers McDonald’s SLDN programme to students who are fresh from sitting for their Form 3 Assessment (PT3) exams, and who are interested to try a hand in the food service industry. The programme will be offered in stages at selected vocational colleges throughout the country.

“On behalf of the Ministry of Education Malaysia, this collaborative programme with McDonald’s Malaysia is a positive initiative in providing access to alternative education for youths aged 15+ to improve their knowledge and skills, by participating in vocational and technical education training (TVET) involving various ministries and agencies. In the face of post-COVID-19, collaborations between educational institutions and industries need to be intensified, to develop holistic talents who can contribute to the economy and the country as a whole.

The Ministry of Education Malaysia, through BPLTV, will continue to elevate TVET in fulfilling the government’s aspiration towards developing highly skilled local workers in Malaysia. This initiative empowers technical and vocational education through existing SLDN programmes, which are currently offered in 15 vocational colleges, across 26 areas with a total of 502 students, via various industry collaborations in the country. We encourage more industry players to come forward to be part of this nation-building exercise,” said Dr. Habibah Abdul Rahim, Director General of Education, Ministry of Education Malaysia.

Vocational college students participating in the programme will be fully sponsored by McDonald’s Malaysia, including a monthly allowance of RM1,200, accommodations, medical and insurance benefits, as well as free meals. In total, McDonald’s Malaysia will be spending a total of RM30,000 per student. Upon completion of the programme, these students will be equipped with SKM Level 3, and will have the options of kickstarting and growing their career at McDonald’s, joining other companies within the food service industry in the country, or furthering their education to a higher level.

“Collaborating with the Ministry of Education Malaysia on this programme is a significant milestone for McDonald’s Malaysia, as it reflects how we are able to serve as a platform or foundation for the youths in Malaysia to build meaningful careers. On the Ministry’s recommendation, we are also helping to enhance industry teaching skills at vocational colleges through our Train the Trainers programme,” added Azmir.

In addition to the programme offered to secondary students at vocational colleges, McDonald’s Malaysia has an existing vocational programme offered to students who have completed their Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM). The McDonald’s Vocational Apprenticeship Programme, introduced in 2018, is an 18-month industry-oriented training programme which combines 70 percent of practical training in McDonald’s restaurants and 30 percent of theoretical lessons in the classroom.

The programme is also a collaboration between McDonald’s Malaysia and the Ministry of Human Resources Malaysia, based on the National Dual Training System (SLDN) introduced by the Ministry. To date, 49 students have successfully completed the programme while 1,200 youths are currently participating in the programme.