McDonalds to hand out diplomas?

[cashman]

Originally Posted by lancsdave

The diploma isn't aimed at the basic stuff though cashy. It's to with learning the skills of finance, hr and other managerial functions. They aren't going to get a diploma for serving burgers or cleaning the bogs

can see that, but like in banks n other places i thought the general idea was work yer way up, start at the bottom etc were the hell does a diploma come into it.?

[garinda]

Originally Posted by cashman

can see that, but like in banks n other places i thought the general idea was work yer way up, start at the bottom etc were the hell does a diploma come into it.?

I don't know, but I suspect that you will still have to work your way up the corporate ladder, it's just that emploees, if they so wish, will be able to gain an accredited qualification that would be recognised by other employers too.

The three companies are receiving no state money to fund these qualifications, and if it means someone who has no other qualifications, can go on to a better job, I think it's great.

No we are a country with very little manufacturing industries left, and retail is the fourth biggest employer in the U.K., these initiatives can only help people.

[Wynonie Harris]

Just because they've been recognised by the QCA doesn't necessarily mean that educational institutions and other employers are going to accept them.

Seems like a blatant attempt by a fast food provider to gain respectability in my opinion.

[garinda]

Originally Posted by Wynonie Harris

Just because they've been recognised by the QCA doesn't necessarily mean that educational institutions and other employers are going to accept them.

Seems like a blatant attempt by a fast food provider to gain respectability in my opinion.

No it doesn't.

Though if two candidates were applying for a job, and one had no qualifications at all, and the other had got off their arse to do this, I know who I'd more likely give the job to.

[garinda]

'As for transferability, it is doubtful that students would harm their career prospects by taking a McDonald's course in basic management. Like or loathe its burgers, the company has a reputation for turning out well-trained employees. Not many graduates could claim to be able to run a franchise employing 50 people with a £2m turnover. The course would not equip them to open a top London restaurant, but neither would a traditional A-level.'

FT.com / Home UK / UK - Mc A-grade levels

The Financial Times seems to think vocational qualifications such as this, are a good idea.

[lancsdave]

I'm with Rindy on this one. Once you get past the media driven stereotyping of the McDonald worker the managment skills picked up when they are past the counter service will be as good if not better than a lot of others. Like it or not they are now one of our country's most succesful employers, the business ethos is probably one of the best.

I wonder what the reaction would be if Asda or Tesco were to jump on board this scheme.

[Lolly]

I'm with Garinda on this one. It can only be a good thing, to get people who wouldn't normally be able to get any qualifications a chance.

I went to school with a girl who started at McDonalds when she went to college, and is now an area manager for them on a hell of a lot of money, whilst all the people who were in her physiotherapy class at college are all having trouble finding jobs

[Wynonie Harris]

But, then again, there are others who don't...

"Employees may find they are locked into that business because the awards don't have credibility outside the company like GCSEs, A levels or NVQs do."
- Professor Alan Smithers, director of the centre for education and employment research at the University of Buckingham.

Still, I suppose the proof of the pudding (or even the double cheese whopper with fries) is in the eating.

[Lolly]

Originally Posted by lancsdave

I wonder what the reaction would be if Asda or Tesco were to jump on board this scheme.

Tesco's training schemes are really good (a bit boring!!) but good. You should see the work books for the Options Management Training! and the training files in the training room, its like a library!

Although the are only qualifications that are recognized within Tesco stores.

[lancsdave]

Originally Posted by Wynonie Harris

But, then again, there are others who don't...

"Employees may find they are locked into that business because the awards don't have credibility outside the company like GCSEs, A levels or NVQs do."
- Professor Alan Smithers, director of the centre for education and employment research at the University of Buckingham.

Still, I suppose the proof of the pudding (or even the double cheese whopper with fries) is in the eating.

It's a fair point but once you are on the job ladder most intelligent employers will look at your work experience rather than your qualifiactions. The qualifications will only be a back up to the experience.

Probably one of the most dinosaur employers of today who still look at qualifications more than experience are government, civil service etc where you need a degree that was paid for by a rich Daddy and a funny handshake to get promoted.

[lancsdave]

Originally Posted by Lolly

Tesco's training schemes are really good (a bit boring!!) but good. You should see the work books for the Options Management Training! and the training files in the training room, its like a library!

Although the are only qualifications that are recognized within Tesco stores.

I don't doubt they are but taking the view that most people take with Mcd's then the argument would be why get a diploma for shelf filling

[garinda]

Originally Posted by Lolly

Tesco's training schemes are really good (a bit boring!!) but good. You should see the work books for the Options Management Training! and the training files in the training room, its like a library!

Although the are only qualifications that are recognized within Tesco stores.

This country spends £38 million pounds annually on training programmes. None of them accredited, unlike these new qualifications.

[cashman]

well to me its de-valuing a diploma, in the same way those that know best have de-valued exam passes in the schools, says cashy running for cover.

[garinda]

Originally Posted by cashman

well to me its de-valuing a diploma, in the same way those that know best have de-valued exam passes in the schools, says cashy running for cover.

That's a different kettle of fish.

We all know that passing the old 11-plus is worth more than being awarded a first class degree in 'meedya' studies.

[WillowTheWhisp]

I think it's an excellent idea. Of course it isn't about how to put together a burger. It's about people management and running a business. You can do business studies at college but what's wrong with a company financing the training of their own workforce?

If I was a prospective employer I too would view someone with this qualification as a more likely candidate than someone without.