Supporting the Next Generation of Superstars

Young people are the future, and we and our Franchisees want to help ensure they’re ready to succeed. We support young people with initiatives that range from on-the-job training to fully funded education.

Check out below just some of the opportunities McDonald’s and its Franchisees are advancing to help boost youth employment and opportunity.

Listening to Youth Voices in Germany

Burger Dialogue opens space for exchange between Gen Z and policymakers

McDonald’s Germany is committed to creating spaces where young voices can be heard, especially in conversations that may shape their future. One such space is the Burger Dialogue, a dialogue format launched in February 2025 that brings together young people, policymakers and experts.

Across several 2025 Burger Dialogue sessions, McDonald’s Germany designed the sessions to provide a non-partisan platform for open exchange between Gen Z and political decision-makers. The dialogues focused on topics that matter most to young people today, including entry into working life, education and vocational training, participation and representation, as well as expectations around work, stability, flexibility and future opportunities.

Insights from recent youth and apprentice research conducted in Germany underline the relevance of these discussions. The research shows that young people value purpose, security and flexibility in their professional lives and want to feel that their perspectives are taken seriously – particularly by those shaping public policy. The Burger Dialogue aims to translate these insights into practice by giving young people a direct voice in a political context and encouraging decision-makers to engage with lived experiences.

Through the Burger Dialogue, McDonald’s Germany contributes to a broader conversation on youth participation, inclusion and empowerment.

Celebrating Youth Day in Mesoamerica

McDonald’s developmental licensee in Mesoamerica celebrated the young people that make up 90% of their workforce

McDonald’s developmental licensee in Mesoamerica¹  values the young people who are an essential part of its business, representing 90% of its workforce. As Youth Day 2025 brought attention to the importance of empowering young people, McDonald’s developmental licensee in Mesoamerica continues to recognize and support the many young employees who choose McDonald’s as their first job. Throughout the year, the company reinforced its commitment to helping young talent access learning, development and professional growth opportunities.

Shining a Light on Youth Employment in Norway

Two panel discussions created space to explore barriers to youth employment – and opportunities to overcome them

McDonald’s developmental licensee in Norway knows helping young people to succeed in work requires good training programs, close support, clear roles and a culture where everyone can find their place. In 2025, their leadership took to the stage at Arendalsuka, Norway’s largest annual political gathering with around 190,000 visitors. They participated in two panel discussions on improving youth employment and supporting young people who are currently outside of work or education.

Across the sessions, the developmental licensee’s leadership and other panelists explored key themes, including:

• The need for closer collaboration between researchers, employers and educational institutions.
• Better understanding the 100,000+ young people in Norway that are currently outside the labor market or education.
• Creating flexible pathways that help young people build confidence and skills.

Delivering Hands-On Experience in Switzerland

20 young people completed restaurant apprenticeships

McDonald’s and its Franchisees offer three-year apprenticeships – opportunities to earn nationally recognized qualifications while working – to Restaurant Staff in several European markets to help promote and improve access to vocational training. As part of this program, in 2025, 20 people reached a major professional milestone: each completed apprenticeships in system catering, receiving the Federal Certificate of Competence for their achievement.

It’s an amazing achievement for all the graduates, and McDonald’s Switzerland and its Franchisees were proud to support this facilitation of personal and professional growth.

Providing Vocational Learning in Malaysia

Over 1,000 students graduated from the Vocational Academy

McDonald’s developmental licensee in Malaysia is helping empower young people to succeed with their Vocational Academy – a practical initiative designed to develop the skills needed for a career in the food service industry. A powerful combination of 30% classroom learning and 70% hands-on restaurant training, the academy – which was launched in 2018 – is the culmination of a partnership with the Department of Skills Development.

In 2025, over 1,000 students graduated from the academy, receiving the Malaysian Skills Certificate and Malaysian Skills Diploma. They join more than 5,000 alumni – many of whom are from lower-income backgrounds, are people with disabilities or are members of Orang Asli communities.

While graduates can pursue careers across any sector, we’re proud that the majority of graduates choose to build meaningful careers within the McDonald’s System.

Laying Paths to Employment in Argentina, Ecuador and Peru

The Camino al Empleo initiative helps prepare young people for the world of work

Across Argentina, Ecuador and Peru, McDonald’s developmental licensee, Arcos Dorados, is helping to open the door to opportunity for young people with the Camino al Empleo (Path to Employment) initiative. Created together with an NGO, the initiative is aimed at teenagers who are neither studying nor working and face significant barriers to doing so.

The Camino al Empleo offers solutions for bringing employment opportunities to young people, comprising training on key socioeconomic skills, career planning, résumé writing and self-awareness. Combined with an intensive four-week program of mentoring, restaurant visits and job placement support, these resources are meticulously designed to help young people confidently navigate the road to employment.

Footnotes

¹ Guatemala, Nicaragua, Honduras and El Salvador.