PETALING JAYA: McDonald’s Malaysia continues to empower youths in the country by offering the Malaysian Skills Diploma (DKM Level 4) in the fast-food service restaurant field to 20 youths under the McDonald’s Vocational Apprenticeship Programme.

Its vice-president and chief people officer Azhar Darbi said they are among the earliest group to undertake DKM at the McDonald’s Malaysia Vocational Academy.

“They have all completed the McDonald’s Vocational Apprenticeship Programme for 18 months and received the Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM Level 3) accredited by the Ministry of Human Resources.

“I am pleased to say that this DKM is a continuation of the McDonald’s Vocational Apprenticeship Programme and will further strengthen the position of the McDonald’s Malaysia Vocational Academy in providing access to quality vocational education for youths in the country,“ he said when launching the DKM programme here today.

Azhar said the diploma programme would take 12 months, covering 30 per cent theoretical learning at the academy and 70 per cent practical training in the restaurants.

“In other words, by pursuing the DKM, in addition to broader career opportunities, they also have the chance to pursue studies up to the Malaysian Advanced Skills Diploma (DLKM Level 5) or equivalent to a bachelor’s degree at selected universities.

“Those participating in the DKM at the McDonald’s Vocational Academy are McDonald’s Malaysia employees and receive full salary throughout their studies, with all learning expenses sponsored by the company, including tuition fees, accommodation for those in need, medical insurance, meals, and more,“ he said.

He further mentioned that McDonald’s Malaysia allocates over RM10 million annually to implement talent and skill development programmes for all its employees at various job levels.