McDonald’s is inviting unemployed young South Africans to apply for the McDonalds Learnership Programme 2026. This opportunity is designed for candidates who want to gain practical workplace experience while studying towards an accredited qualification in the hospitality and food service industry.
The programme is open to applicants living in the Johannesburg Central and Linden areas and combines classroom learning with real workplace training inside a fast-paced restaurant environment.
About the McDonalds Learnership Programme
The learnership leads to a National Certificate: Fast Food Services (NQF Level 3), accredited through CATHSSETA.
Learners will receive hands-on training in:
- Food preparation
- Customer service
- Restaurant operations
- Workplace communication
- Teamwork and supervision
- Health and safety procedures
The programme is aimed at helping young people build valuable workplace skills that can improve future employment opportunities within the hospitality and customer service sectors.
Duties
Successful candidates will be required to:
- Prepare food and beverages according to company standards
- Maintain cleanliness throughout the restaurant, including restrooms and outdoor areas
- Welcome and assist customers professionally
- Take customer orders and process payments accurately
- Assemble customer orders efficiently
- Attend classroom training sessions
- Complete workplace assessments and portfolios of evidence
- Work effectively in a busy team environment
Skills You Will Gain
By the end of the programme, learners will be able to:
- Deliver excellent customer service
- Operate payment points and process transactions
- Maintain workplace hygiene and safety standards
- Prepare and handle food safely
- Maintain professional workplace relationships
- Perform basic administrative duties
- Support take-away and counter service operations
- Apply basic computer and numeracy skills
- Maintain customer satisfaction
- Understand hospitality and tourism workplace environments
- Apply first aid and workplace safety principles
Minimum Requirements
To qualify for the learnership, applicants must:
- 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
- Be able to travel to and from the restaurant
- Be comfortable standing for long periods during shifts
Documents Needed
Shortlisted candidates should prepare the following documents:
- Certified copy of South African ID (not older than 3 months)
- Certified copy of Grade 12 certificate or latest results
- Updated CV
- Proof of residence
- Any additional supporting documents if applicable
Please note that successful applicants will undergo criminal and vetting checks during the onboarding process.
Related: Massmart Learnership Opportunities 2026
Why You Should Apply
This learnership is a great opportunity for young people looking to enter the hospitality industry and gain recognised workplace experience. Learners will earn an accredited qualification while developing practical skills that can support long-term career growth.
How to Apply
Apply online here:
Apply for the McDonald’s Learnership Programme 2026
Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible before opportunities are filled.
