About the McDonald’s Learnership Programme 2026
The McDonald’s Learnership Programme 2026 offers young South Africans the opportunity to gain valuable workplace experience while completing an accredited qualification through CATHSSETA.
Successful learners will complete the National Certificate: Fast Food Services (NQF Level 3) while receiving practical, hands-on training in a fast-paced restaurant environment.
This learnership combines classroom-based learning with real workplace experience in areas such as:
- Food preparation and handling
- Customer service
- Restaurant operations
- Teamwork and communication
- Health and safety practices
- Supervision and workplace professionalism
The programme is designed to equip learners with essential hospitality and customer service skills that can improve future employment opportunities and support long-term career growth in the food service and hospitality industry.
Key Responsibilities
Learners participating in the McDonald’s Learnership Programme will be expected to:
- Prepare food and beverages according to McDonald’s operating standards
- Maintain cleanliness throughout the restaurant, including the lobby, restrooms, and outdoor areas
- Welcome and assist customers professionally and courteously
- Take customer orders and process payments accurately at the front counter or drive-thru
- Assemble and present customer orders efficiently
- Attend classroom training sessions and complete all required assessments and portfolio work
- Work effectively within a team in a high-pressure restaurant environment
Skills and Experience Gained
Upon successful completion of the learnership, learners will be able to:
- Deliver excellent customer service
- Communicate effectively with customers and colleagues
- Operate payment systems and process transactions
- Apply workplace health, hygiene, safety, and security standards
- Prepare and handle food safely
- Maintain positive workplace relationships
- Perform basic administrative and communication tasks
- Manage stock and receive deliveries
- Support counter service and take-away operations
- Demonstrate professionalism and cultural awareness
- Apply basic computer literacy and numeracy skills
- Maintain customer satisfaction standards
- Understand the hospitality and tourism industry
- Participate in workplace coaching and self-development
- Apply first aid and workplace safety procedures
Minimum Requirements
To qualify for the McDonald’s Learnership Programme 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must have a minimum Grade 12 certificate
- Must be between 18 and 26 years old
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must have a clear criminal record
- Must be willing to work shifts, including day and night shifts
- Must reside within 0–5 km of the workplace
- Must be able to travel to and from the restaurant for shift work
- Must be comfortable standing for extended periods while on duty
Required Documents
Shortlisted candidates must prepare the following documents:
- Certified copy of South African ID (not older than 3 months)
- Certified copy of Grade 12 certificate or latest results (not older than 3 months)
- Updated CV
- Proof of residence
- Additional supporting documents (if applicable)
Important Information
Please note that successful applicants will be required to undergo criminal and vetting checks as part of the onboarding process.
The McDonald’s Learnership Programme 2026 is an excellent opportunity for unemployed youth looking to gain recognised qualifications, practical work experience, and valuable skills within the hospitality and fast-food industry.
How to Apply
Click here to apply online for the McDonald’s Learnerships programme 2026