McDonald’s Malaysia Empowers Youth with Paid Vocational Training

McDonald’s Upskills Malaysian Youth with Paid Training Program

McDonald’s Malaysia isn’t just flipping burgers, it’s flipping the script on youth development. With over 5,000 graduates since launch, its Vocational Apprentice Program has become one of the country’s most impactful initiatives to combine education, work and social mobility.

At its recent 5th convocation in Shah Alam, more than 1,000 apprentices received SKM and DKM certificates under Malaysia’s national TVET framework. The event was officiated by YB Datuk Hajah Rubiah Wang, on behalf of Deputy Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

YB Datuk Hajah Rubiah Wang, Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development (Centre); YB Tuan Wong Kah Woh, Deputy Minister of Education Malaysia (Right); and Dato’ Haji Azmir Jaafar, Managing Director and Local Operating Partner of McDonald’s Malaysia (Left) celebrated the success of over 1,000 graduates at the McDonald’s Vocational Academy Convocation Ceremony held at IDCC Shah Alam last Monday.

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What Is the McDonald’s Vocational Apprentice Program?

This certified TVET program is developed alongside:

• Jabatan Pembangunan Kemahiran (JPK) under the Ministry of Human Resources
• Operates under the Sistem Latihan Dual Nasional (SLDN)

🧠30% classroom learning

🍟70% hands-on experience in McDonald’s restaurants

It starts as early as post-Form 3, opening real world career pathways even for those who did not complete SPM.

Four graduates received the Best Graduate Award for their outstanding performance throughout the 18-month McDonald’s Malaysia Vocational Academy programme.

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All-Inclusive, Zero Cost for Students

Here’s what each apprentice gets fully sponsored by McDonald’s:

• Monthly allowance
• Accommodation & meals
• Medical and insurance coverage
• SOCSO & EPF contributions
• No contract bond after graduation

McDonald’s invests around RM40,000 per apprentice to ensure no youth is left behind, especially those from B40, asnaf, Orang Asli, or OKU communities.

“We’re not just offering jobs, we’re building lifelong careers and breaking the poverty cycle,” said Dato’ Haji Azmir Jaafar, Managing Director & Local Operating Partner of McDonald’s Malaysia.

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Careers That Grow With You

More than 80% of graduates stay on and climb the McDonald’s career ladder, many now in management or industry expert roles.

McDonald’s also runs Hamburger U, its internal training institution focused on leadership and restaurant operations.

Collab programs include:

• MAP (Management Apprentice Program)
• GEP (Graduate Employability Program)
• IP (Industrial Apprenticeship Program)
• 3U1i Degree Track: 3 years university + 1 year in-industry placement with guaranteed job offers after graduation

The graduates celebrated their success in earning the Malaysian Skills Diploma (DKM) and Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM).

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Ready to Join? Here’s How

Interested in growing your career while getting certified? Visit the Careers section on McDonald’s Malaysia official site to apply for the next intake.