Trainee Shift Manager Review

When I accepted the role it was advertised as a trainee shift manager. My duties were to include leading a team and ensuring customers were left satisfied. In the end however, I simply completed crew roles without experiencing any form of management training and spent my entire year doing so. I did enjoy my time there and making new friends but it was not what I had hoped it would be.

Communication is the main skill I have developed over the past year. There were many different people working at the store from all sorts of backgrounds so it was important to communicate in an appropriate manner. Communication was also vital to customers to improve their experience. I am now competent in all areas at McDonald's, including service and kitchen.

I did enjoy my year at McDonald's and experienced many situations that I can use throughout my career. My overriding feeling is disappointment though as I was told I would attend the management course. After a while I found myself quite bored and frustrated at doing the same roles on a daily basis. I feel there was a lack of direction from head office on my training schedule and how my development could be managed.

I felt like every other crew member in the store. I had a good relationship with many of the management team and have kept in touch since I left. Managers do value their staff however I believe not enough praise is given when it was deserved. People seemed very quick to criticise but praise was harder to come by.

I feel my programme was not very well organised at all. The management team at my restaurant seemed unsure on what to teach and show me. I did ask if I could go on the management course at some point during the year but was told it was not possible. In the end I began resenting the role

I see my training provider as being the head office at McDonald's. It was where I went for my interviews for the role and then my induction. During these occasions they were extremely helpful and professional. The interviews were thorough which led me to believe the role would be structured and organised which in the end, it wasn't. While at work I was made aware that any questions I had could have been answered by head office.

I had support from the management team during my year in the restaurant, especially in the opening few months of working there. Once I settled in, I didn't require their assistance as much but they were still always there to help me.

The salary at the start of the year seemed reasonable. However when I broke it down it worked out to be less than minimum wage. I was also not included in the system for mystery shopping bonuses and other incentives which left me disheartened during the year. People seemed not to be working as hard as me yet still received extra pay during the year. I lived at home during the year so rent was not an issue as such.

There are lots of fundraising opportunities at McDonald's which I was made aware of. A whole host of social activities are also planned throughout the year free of charge which staff who have been nominated for hard work usually invited to attend first. I have been out for a drink with my colleagues since and keep in touch with many more

Yes

McDonald's have a clear training programme and ladder of progression. There are also many employee benefits including discounts at high streets stores and meal vouchers. I would recommend working there. I arrived on the placement so perhaps expected more than someone else who are joining the company through a more traditional method

Research and preparation is required for the various interviews. It is important to be yourself and let your personality shine through with your likes and dislikes being discussed. Travelling is also required so be prepared to use public transport. The company kindly reimburse you for any travelling expenses however.