“I was very excited to receive an invitation to the launch of the new McDonalds restaurant in Bodmin.” – Amanda, Employability Officer, Cornwall
Through a successful SWAP programme in collaboration with Bodmin Job Centre and McDonalds, 6 candidates secured employment at the new restaurant. As part of the programme, I delivered the L2 Food Safety in catering, essential for anyone wanting to work in the catering sector. Alongside this I supported applicants in creating a personal statement, online job applications and interview practice.
All candidates attended a work experience session at a local McDonalds restaurant, returning to the course full of enthusiasm, they were all very impressed by the welcome they were given on arrival. All candidates expressed that they received fantastic support by management and the whole team on site who were ‘like a family’.
I attended the launch on Tuesday evening, it was a great success, I could see all the hard work and effort it must have taken to get the new restaurant ready for opening. It was wonderful to catch up with the learners and chat about their new jobs and how excited they were to ‘get stuck in’.
Comments from learners. ‘I wasn’t really bothered about working at McDonalds when I was offered this SWAP but I can’t wait to start working there now, its so much more than I thought it was’.
‘Just thought you would like an update. I had my job interview today and I’m happy to let you know that I got the job! My induction is on Thursday, and I’ll be doing my training online as well as in the new restaurant. Thank you again for all the support you have given me as I really feel like it made the difference’.
Comments from Bodmin Job Centre. ‘Just wanted to say thank you so much for making the McDonalds SWAP process such a success for us all and the claimants – it has been a dream working with you due to your dependably methodical approach. We have certainly spread the positive word around regarding Whitehead – Ross’.
I also had the chance to speak with Becky Harden, People Manager. Becky had played a pivotal role in the programme; organising, meeting and supporting candidates through the work experience session and beyond. Becky joined the company after leaving school and has pursued a successful 19-year career supported by McDonalds. The company prides itself on being fully inclusive and offers a range of career support through flexible working patterns, trainee management programmes and apprenticeships. Becky was very impressed at how the candidates arrived for interview, enthusiastic and ‘work ready’, with research and questions about the company.
We are now in the process of setting a date for our next cohort to start the McDonalds SWAP in January.
For more details about employment opportunities in Cornwall – cornwallskills@wrecltd.co.uk
As you can see, I was very proud to receive the first ever meal produced for a customer in the new brand new Bodmin restaurant.
