Local Derby McDonald's employee wins apprentice award

The awards celebrate the incredible achievements of stand-out apprentices, launching as McDonald’s marks 50 years in the UK and hits the key milestone of supporting more than 21,000 apprentices since 2006.

McDonald’s has been investing in award-winning apprenticeships for more than 18 years, with more than 20 different programmes available for employees across the country. The brand incorporated apprenticeships into its sustainability commitments and currently supports over 1,000 of their people to complete an apprenticeship.

Julie took part in the Hospitality Manager Level 4 programme at the Cottonbrook Road Delivery Kitchen in Derby and was honoured with The Innovation Award at the McDonald’s Apprenticeship Awards for her results-driven and business-minded contributions to the business throughout her apprenticeship.

Julie demonstrated exceptional dedication and innovative contributions throughout her apprenticeship. She implemented procedures which improved delivery processes, customer satisfaction and efficiency by reducing restaurant time by eight minutes. Julie also fostered strong relationships with local managers and drivers from Just Eat and Uber, resulting in a wider delivery radius and an increase in sales.

Julie demonstrated a strong ambition to become a Business Manager and actively sought to develop her leadership skills. Her ability to build relationships with colleagues, create development plans for managers, and introduce a Crew Trainer programme fostered a positive and inclusive work environment – culminating in a promotion to Unit Manager.

Julie Watson from McDonald’s Derby Cottonbrook Road Delivery Kitchen said: "Working at McDonald's has given me options I just didn't have before, and I'm already using my new skills developed in my apprenticeship. My family, friends and teammates are really behind me and I’m delighted to have already achieved my goal of becoming a Unit Manager."

Local Franchisee Tim Dobbs, who owns and operates nine McDonald’s restaurants in the Derby area including Cottonbrook Road Delivery Kitchen, said: “It is vital that all my employees feel able to pursue their ambitions, so we’re delighted to have been able to offer the flexibility Julie has needed to study and complete her apprenticeship. I hope that the launch of the McDonald’s Apprenticeship Awards will inspire people to choose a scheme that will help them realise their full potential. The team and I are hugely proud of Julie, and I hope to see more of our people take advantage of the learning and development programmes McDonald’s has to offer."

Available in restaurants in local communities across the country, apprenticeships combine workplace training with studying, and 2023 saw more than 1,000 McDonald’s employees undertake these nationally recognised qualifications across the year. It’s a great option for those looking to earn while they learn, and with a dedicated mentor assigned at the beginning of their journey, apprentices are fully supported throughout the programme.

Find out more about McDonald's apprenticeship programme and the opportunities available here.