The McDonald’s Learnership programme 2026 is open for applications now at locations across the country. Check the SAYouth website for a location near you.
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The McDonalds Learnership programme offers unemployed youth the opportunity to gain workplace experience while completing an accredited qualification in the fast food and hospitality industry.
Applications for the McDonald’s Learnership Programme close on 19 May 2026.
About The McDonald’s Learnership Programme
The Learnership combines practical workplace training with classroom-based learning and leads to a recognised qualification through Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority (CATHSSETA):
- National Certificate: Fast Food Services (NQF Level 3)
Learners will gain hands-on experience in:
- Food preparation
- Customer service
- Restaurant operations
- Teamwork
- Supervision in a fast-paced environment
The programme is designed to help learners build workplace skills that can improve future employment opportunities within the hospitality and food service industry.
Duties And Responsibilities
Successful learners will be expected to:
- Prepare food and beverages according to McDonald’s operating procedures
- Maintain cleanliness throughout the restaurant
- Welcome and assist customers professionally
- Take customer orders and process payments
- Assemble customer orders efficiently
- Attend classroom training sessions
- Complete the required portfolio of evidence
- Work effectively within a team environment
Skills Learners Will Gain
After completing the programme, learners will be able to:
- Deliver excellent customer service
- Communicate effectively with customers and colleagues
- Operate payment systems and process transactions
- Maintain food safety and hygiene standards
- Handle stock and receive deliveries
- Support counter and take-away operations
- Demonstrate professionalism and cultural awareness
- Apply basic computer and numeracy skills
- Understand workplace safety and first aid principles
McDonald’s Learnership Requirements
Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Have a Grade 12 certificate
- Be between 18 and 26 years old
- Be a South African citizen
- Have a clear criminal record
- Be willing to work shifts, including day and night shifts
- Live within 0–5km of the restaurant workplace
- Be able to travel to and from work
- Be willing to stand for extended periods during shifts
Documents Needed To Apply
Shortlisted candidates will need to provide the following documents:
- Certified copy of South African ID (not older than three months)
- Certified copy of Grade 12 certificate or latest results
- Updated CV
- Proof of residence
- Additional supporting documents if applicable
McDonald’s confirmed that successful applicants will undergo criminal and vetting checks as part of the recruitment and onboarding process.
HOW TO APPLY
CLICK HERE TO APPLY VIA THE SAYOUTH.MOBI WEBSITE - then search for 'Mcdonalds'. The website will show you the vacancies near you.
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