McDonald’s launches biggest youth work experience programme - here’s how you can get involved

McDonald’s has become the latest major employer to back the government’s Youth Guarantee, a nationwide push to help more young people start earning or learning.

The fast-food giant is launching the UK’s largest work experience programme, giving 2,500 young people the chance to take their first step into a career.

Whether you’re curious about working in a restaurant or want to see how a head office operates, there could be something for you.

When does the programme start?

From August, McDonald’s will roll out 2,500 paid work experience placements across the UK.

• 625 places are set aside for young people most at risk of dropping out of education or work
• you’ll be paid for your time, so you can gain experience and earn

What kind of placements can you do?

You’ll get the chance to try out different roles across the business, including:

• restaurant-based jobs
• corporate and head office roles

Each placement lasts five days, giving you hands-on experience in real working environments.

At the end, you’ll get a guaranteed interview, so if you enjoy it, you could take things further.

One in four placements is prioritised for young people at risk of becoming NEET (not in education, employment or training).

You can register your interest here.

Who else is backing the Youth Guarantee?

McDonald’s isn’t the only big name involved. Other major organisations supporting the scheme include:

• Premier League
• Channel 4
• Pinewood Studios

What is the Youth Guarantee?

The government’s Youth Guarantee promises that if you’re aged 18 to 21, you’ll be offered a place in:

• college
• an apprenticeship
• or a paid job

Right now, nearly one million young people in the UK are not in education, employment or training, and this programme is designed to help change that.

Other support available for young people

If you’re aged 16 to 24 and not in education, employment or training, other support is available.

Local councils, schools and colleges

Your local council or school can help you get back on track. They offer one-to-one support to understand your situation and guide your next steps.

They can help you with:

• career advice and goal setting
• exploring training or education options
• learning new skills
• job and apprenticeship searches
• CV writing, applications and interview prep
• mental health and wellbeing support
• help with speech and language needs
• advice on benefits and financial support

You can find your local council on the government website.

National Careers Service

The National Careers Service offers advice to people of all ages, whether you're starting out or changing careers.

They can help you:

• explore career paths or courses
• find training near you
• talk to an adviser online or by phone

Visit their website or call for support.

Youth organisations and charities

Charities like The King’s Trust run programmes to help young people build confidence and develop job-ready skills.

These programmes may include:

• team-building and personal development
• work placements
• CV and interview help
• one-on-one mentoring

Thinking about going back to education as an adult?

If you’re over 19 and thinking about giving education another go, to change careers, learn something new, or just for personal growth, there’s plenty of free support available.

• Free courses for jobs – training that can lead straight to work in in-demand industries.
• Skills bootcamps – short, intensive courses in areas like digital skills, construction, or green energy.
• Multiply – free maths courses if you didn’t get a GCSE grade C/4 or above.
• Essential skills – courses in English, numeracy and digital skills – classroom or online, full-time or part-time.

Read more about the educational opportunities and financial support for mature students in our guide.

Even if you're unsure of your next step, just reaching out can open doors you didn’t know were there.