GEORGE Yang's McDonald's Philippines and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) recently signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) to develop training standards on Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) skills and competencies, aiming to provide skills training through Institution based Training (IBT) and/or Enterprise-based Training (EBT) Programs for more Filipinos.
This groundbreaking partnership aimed to establish the first Tesda accredited curriculum for QSR training in the country.
As part of the collaboration, McDonald's Philippines' Crew training programs would undergo review and accreditation by Tesda. This initiative aimed to bring forth a standardized and nationally recognized training curriculum that would enhance skills and improve employability of individuals seeking careers in the QSR industry.
A labor market information report on QSRs would first be developed to help identify the skills and competencies the potential employees should have.
This would be followed by the creation of a set of Competency Standards, a Competency based Curriculum, an Institutional Assessment Tool and Regional Lead Trainers to make the program for the QSR industry more solid.
The partnership would also focus on promoting the Tesda-Golden Arches Development Corp. Partnership Program to raise awareness about the opportunities available for individuals interested in pursuing a career in the QSR industry.
"We are excited to partner with Tesda in developing the [first] QSR training curriculum in the country," said Ruben Marasigan, vice president of Human Capital Group of McDonald's Philippines.
"We take pride in the quality and caliber of our crew training program. We have seen firsthand how our (McDonald's) commitment to people, especially on training and development, enables our crew to upskill and be their best selves, giving them a better opportunity to grow and succeed in the food service industry. Today, our goal for this partnership is to extend or share our crew training program for the benefit of more Filipinos nationwide. "
Tesda Secretary/Director General Suharto Mangudadatu expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, saying: "This MoA with McDonald's Philippines is a significant step towards addressing the skills gap in the QSR industry. By providing standardized training and accreditation, we aim to produce highly skilled and competent individuals who can excel in their chosen careers."
The partnership between McDonald's Philippines and Tesda signified a commitment to upskill the workforce and provide accessible training opportunities for aspiring QSR professionals. This initiative was expected to contribute to the overall growth and success of the fast-food industry in the Philippines.
Founded by Yang — who opened the first McDonald's restaurant in Morayta, Manila in 1981 — McDonald's Philippines had grown from a single location to a major presence with over 750+ branches across the nation. Entirely Filipino owned, the company celebrates its roots and commitment to the Filipino family.
Under the stewardship of President and Chief Executive Officer Kenneth Yang, the company had excelled in delivering high quality food and service, while also providing a growth oriented environment for its over 60,000+ employees. McDonald's Philippines had been committed to career development and employee well-being, reflecting the vision of its founder and chairman.
McDonald's Philippines had extended its impact beyond dining through its support of Ronald McDonald House Charities, emphasizing its commitment to the well-being of Filipino children and families.
For more details on McDonald's Philippines and its community initiatives, visit www.mcdonalds.com.ph and follow the official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/McDo.ph.
Tesda had been the government agency tasked with the formulation of continuing technical education and skills development policies, programs and standards in the Philippines. Tesda aimed to develop and enhance the skills of the Filipino workforce to ensure their competitiveness in the global market.