McDONALD'S VOCATIONAL ACADEMY POWERS YOUTH

The Star

2 days ago

The fifth convocation ceremony of the McDonald's Vocational Academy saw more than 1,000 students graduate at the Ideal Convention Centre (IDCC) in Shah Alam on June 30.
The programme is a collaborative co-curricular initiative with the Department of Skills Development (JPK) under the Human Resources Ministry, conducted through the National Dual Training System (SLDN). It supports the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) agenda by aiming to boost workforce development and strengthen industry relevance.
Successful graduates were presented with the Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM) and Malaysian Skills Diploma (DKM).
Officiating the event was Deputy Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Rubiah Wang, who represented Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The programme is designed to be practical and industry-focused, consisting of 70% hands-on training in McDonald's outlets and 30% classroom-based theoretical learning.
McDonald's Malaysia managing director and local operating partner Datuk Azmir Jaafar highlighted that the academy has trained over 5,000 graduates since its inception in 2018, with many hailing from underprivileged backgrounds, including B40 families, persons with disabilities (PwD), Orang Asli communities, and others who may not have had access to formal education.
'More than 80% of our graduates choose to build meaningful careers with us. Some of these youths have risen to become restaurant managers or even specialists at our corporate office, which makes it a powerful testament to what skills training and opportunity can do.
'This shows that McDonald's Malaysia is not just offering jobs, but lifelong learning opportunities that can change lives,' said Azmir.
McDonald's Malaysia fully funds each apprentice's training, which includes a monthly allowance, housing, meals, insurance, medical coverage, Socso protection and EPF contributions. Total investment is RM40,000 per apprentice.
Graduates are not bound by any post-training employment contract, giving them the freedom to explore further opportunities should they wish.
Complementing the vocational apprentice programme is Hamburger U, an internal leadership and restaurant management training institution that offers advanced courses in administration, leadership and business management for current employees and university students in partnership with local universities.
Among the notable collaborations are the Management Apprentice Programme (MAP), Graduate Employability Programme (GEP) and Industrial Apprenticeship Programme (IP).
McDonald's Malaysia has also partnered with local universities to offer degree pathways under the 3U1i model — three years of university study followed by one year of industrial training, with guaranteed employment upon graduation.
The success of the vocational apprentice programme aligns closely with national efforts to strengthen TVET as a mainstream career pathway and also demonstrates how corporate-private sector partnerships can drive talent development and long-term economic impact.
Among the award recipients was Muhammad Hfiy Haikal Ruslan, 18, who said the programme benefitted him as he has a strong interest in the food and beverage (F&B) industry.
'I learnt discipline, leadership and team collaboration at the academy, which will help me when I take my career further,' he said, expressing gratitude for the opportunity given by McDonald's to be part of the programme.
Hfiy also recounted being involved in a serious accident that left him in a coma for a month. Despite the physical and emotional challenges of recovery, he pushed through and returned to complete his training. His perseverance earned him the Outstanding Apprentice Award (Theory).
Another award recipient was Raidi Hamizan Rozki, 18, who received the Overall Outstanding Apprentice Award.
'I attended a talk regarding the programme and was amazed by it, and my mother was very encouraging, which is why I decided to join.'
Raidi, who loves to cook, made his parents proud while his siblings' eyes welled with pride as he walked toward them.
Now a crew leader at a McDonald's outlet, he hopes to pursue a diploma in halal industry management and eventually return to the programme as an educator.
'I would like to be the one teaching students one day and help them to excel and succeed, just as I did.'
Despite the learning challenges that come with autism, Nur Farrah Adibah Razali, 21, from Kuala Berang, Terengganu, proudly overcame the odds to graduate.
Farrah was encouraged by her teachers to enrol in the academy, where she received practical training at McDonald's outlets — learning to pack food and make drinks.
She also received a monthly allowance during her time at the academy. 'Thanks to the monthly allowance, I was able to help lessen some of my family's financial burdens.'
Wak Jenny Azman, from the Semai Tribe in Tapah, Perak, was initially afraid to leave her home, four younger siblings, and close-knit village community. But determined to support her family, she took a brave step — and soon found new friends, confidence, and a sense of purpose.
Today, the 21-year-old is a crew leader at McDonald's Putra Heights, where she leads a team of eight.
'I want to share with my Orang Asli friends that they should come out and give this programme a try.
'Right now, I want to reach as high as I can, and hopefully, I can save enough (money) to visit South Korea,' said the daughter of a farmer.