Minister for Employment Senator Eric Abetz today visited the McDonald’s training centre in Sydney with Member for Berowra Philip Ruddock and Member for Bradfield Paul Fletcher.

McDonald’s has been a Registered Training Organisation since 1997 and in that time more than 33,000 young Australians have earned nationally recognised qualifications at its training centres and restaurants around the country.

The Charlie Bell School of Management – one of seven McDonald’s Hamburger Universities around the world - has been operating since 1989 and has seen close to 40,000 young people undertake training in everything from customer service and safe food handling to business management and executive leadership.

Senator Abetz said it was great to see employers like McDonald’s investing in young Australians.

“As one of the largest employers in Australia, I commend McDonald’s for their good work and commitment to the futures of young Australians.

“Youth unemployment is a significant problem, however employers like McDonald’s are making a difference.”

Andrew Gregory, CEO of McDonald’s Australia, said that McDonald’s has a proud tradition of giving thousands of Australians their first job.

“Almost 1 million Australians have started their working careers with McDonald’s. We take great pride and responsibility in the training investment we make to provide young people with meaningful skills that set them up for a great start in whichever career path they choose,” Mr Gregory said.

Senator Abetz also highlighted the Government’s commitment to helping more young Australians into work.

“The Government is investing $330 million in a Youth Employment Strategy which will help more young job seekers to develop the skills they need to move into work.

“The new jobactive employment service, together with the $5.5 billion “Growing Jobs and Small Business” package will further improve job opportunities for young Australians.”

Paul Fletcher noted that McDonald’s was a large employer in the Bradfield electorate. “I am happy to support McDonald’s and their continued initiative in giving young Australians a go,” Mr Fletcher said.

Philip Ruddock said that McDonald’s role in training young Australians should be recognised. “Many Australians started their careers at McDonald’s. Their record of training the leaders of tomorrow is an example to all,” Mr Ruddock said.