One-day national restaurant hiring blitz welcomes young people and offers thousands of jobs
TORONTO, April 8, 2013 /CNW/ - With youth unemployment almost double the Canadian average*, McDonald's Restaurants of Canada and its franchisees are doing their part to help by hiring more than 6,000 people during its third-annual National Hiring Day on April 11.
National Hiring Day is a one-day hiring blitz held at participating McDonald's locations across the country where job-seekers are invited to apply in person for one of the more than 6,000 available positions (6,000 crew and 100 managers). Applications will be taken at participating restaurants and interested candidates will be able to learn about local restaurant career opportunities and possibly even be interviewed on the spot by a member of the restaurant management team. Those unable to apply in-person can go to www.worksforme.ca to submit their applications.
Since 2011, McDonald's has hired close to 10,000 people across the country through the one-day event. This year, McDonald's will hire almost one thousand more employees than last year's National Hiring Day, and two thousand more than 2011. The company is also focusing on reaching young people searching for their first job.
McDonald's is one of Canada's largest employers of youth. Approximately 65 per cent of McDonald's crew, including those hired on National Hiring Days, are between 15 and 24 years old. Teenagers make up the largest employee demographic representing approximately 42 per cent of the company workforce.
From Humble Beginnings to Great Success at McDonald's: Even The President Used to Flip Burgers
McDonald's can be the start of a challenging and rewarding career. In an era when staying with one company is rarely seen, McDonald's Canada has a long history of building bright futures for young people from the ground up. Ninety per cent of restaurant managers and 50 per cent of franchisees began as entry-level crew members. More than 65 per cent of corporate staff began as crew members, including McDonald's Canada President and CEO John Betts who started behind the counter 40 years ago.
"I know first-hand what it's like to start your first job working in the kitchen at McDonald's. That's how I got my start. It's where I learned about teamwork and the importance of listening to customers' needs," says Betts. "I regularly speak to students at colleges and universities, and I often share my story of how I went from crew to boardroom because I want young people to know they can find real opportunities to learn, grow and develop at McDonald's. I take great pride in the fact that this company offers young people their first job opportunity. We set them up on the path to success whether they stay with us for a year or, like me, an entire career."
McDonald's Ranks Among Canada's 50 Best Employers
McDonald's has been consistently ranked among Canada's 50 Best Employers, with a recognized culture that fosters positivity, fun, and real engagement for employees. It offers world-class professional training and development that help give employees important life skills, such as teamwork and time management, competitive wages, comprehensive benefits and flexible schedules. McDonald's is also known for supporting its employees in many other ways. More than $2 million in employee scholarships have been awarded at McDonald's since 1985.
"There is a reason we have developed a deserved reputation as one of Canada's top employers," says Len Jillard, Chief People Officer, McDonald's Canada. "Just like our President, I also began as crew at McDonald's and can personally attest to the fact that we are fully committed to hiring young people and nurturing their success in life and in our organization. In a market where youth unemployment rates are nearly double the Canadian average, we are hiring thousands of part and full-time positions. It's a fantastic opportunity especially for young people and at the same time, we're positively benefiting the overall economy by hiring thousands of new employees."
Further Proof of Commitment to Youth: New Partnership with Junior Achievement
As part of its ongoing commitment to the future of Canadian youth, McDonald's Canada recently announced a partnership with the largest youth business education organization in Canada, Junior Achievement (JA). JA has inspired and prepared over four million students to succeed in the last 58 years by educating youth about career opportunities, business skills and entrepreneurship. McDonald's Canada will be working with local restaurants and franchisees to coordinate JA training programs and other activities that will help prepare youth in Canada for a successful career. The purpose of the program is to provide young people with career advice and training support in a real-life environment from a real employer of youth.
About McDonald's Canada
McDonald's is the leading foodservice company in the world. McDonald's Restaurants of Canada Limited and its Canadian franchisees own and operate more than 1,400 restaurants and employ more than 80,000 Canadians coast-to-coast. Approximately 80 per cent of McDonald's Canadian restaurants are locally owned and operated by independent entrepreneurs. For more information about McDonald's Canada, visit www.mcdonalds.ca or follow us on Twitter (@McD_Canada and Facebook Facebook.com/McDonaldscanada) for updates on our business, promotions and menu items.
*Statistics Source: Labour Force Survey, Statistics Canada as of March 2013 (released April 5, 2013): The National unemployment rate as of March 2013 is 7.2%. Among youths aged 15 to 24, unemployment was 14.2%. The full report is available here.
SOURCE: McDonald's Restaurants of Canada Limited
For more information or interview requests with Len Jillard, please contact:
Gema Rayo
McDonald's Media Relations
1-877-786-3342
Link here to watch our video about National Hiring Day.
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