McDonald’s is inviting applications for Learnership Programme Cohort 2 across South Africa. The opportunity is aimed at unemployed young South Africans who want to gain practical workplace experience while completing a recognised qualification in the fast-food and hospitality industry.
The learnership leads to a National Certificate: Fast Food Services at NQF Level 3, accredited through CATHSSETA. Applications close on 30 August 2026, so eligible applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
McDonald’s Learnership Programme 2026
The programme combines classroom-based learning with practical workplace training in a McDonald’s restaurant environment.
Learners will gain experience in areas such as food preparation, customer service, restaurant operations, teamwork, stock management and workplace safety. The programme is designed to help young people develop practical skills that can improve their future employment opportunities.
This opportunity is particularly suitable for unemployed youth who have completed Grade 12 and are interested in working in the restaurant, hospitality or food service industry.
Learnership Details
Programme: Learnership Programme Cohort 2
Qualification: National Certificate: Fast Food Services
NQF Level: 3
Company: McDonald’s
Location: Across South Africa
Job Type: Fixed-term
Industry: Restaurant and Fast Food
Reference Number: 2136661
Closing Date: 30 August 2026
Salary/Stipend: Not specified in the advert
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Grade 12 certificate
- Must be between 18 and 26 years old
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must be unemployed
- Must not currently be studying
- Must not have participated in a learnership programme within the past 12 months
- Must have a clear criminal record
- Must be willing to work shifts, including day and night shifts
- Must have reliable transport to and from the restaurant
- Must be willing to stand for extended periods while working
Because McDonald’s restaurants operate beyond traditional office hours, applicants must be comfortable working different shifts, including weekends and potentially night shifts.
What Will Learners Do?
The learnership provides practical exposure to various restaurant operations.
Learners will be expected to prepare food and beverages according to McDonald’s standard operating procedures. They will also assist customers in a friendly and professional manner, take orders and process payments accurately at the front counter or drive-thru.
Other responsibilities include assembling customer orders, maintaining cleanliness throughout the restaurant, and keeping areas such as the lobby, restrooms and outdoor spaces clean.
Learners will also attend classroom training sessions and complete the required portfolio of evidence as part of the qualification.
Working effectively as part of a team will be an important part of the programme.
Skills Learners Can Gain
On completion of the programme, learners can develop a range of workplace and customer service skills.
These include food preparation and safe food handling, customer service, communication, payment processing, stock management and receiving deliveries.
Learners will also gain knowledge of health, hygiene, safety and security standards, basic administration, workplace relationships, computer skills and numeracy.
The programme also covers workplace coaching, self-development, cultural awareness, professionalism and basic first aid and safety principles.
Documents Required
Shortlisted applicants should have the following documents ready:
- Certified copy of South African ID, not older than three months
- Certified copy of Grade 12 certificate or latest results, not older than three months
- Updated CV
- Proof of residence
- Additional supporting documents, where applicable
Successful candidates will also be required to undergo criminal and vetting checks as part of the onboarding process.
Closing Date
The closing date for the McDonald’s Learnership Programme Cohort 2 is:
30 August 2026
With only a short time remaining before applications close, eligible applicants should submit their applications before the deadline.
Final Thoughts
The McDonald’s Fast Food Services Learnership offers unemployed young South Africans an opportunity to gain workplace experience while working towards an accredited NQF Level 3 qualification.
If you are between 18 and 26, have Grade 12, are unemployed and meet the other requirements, this could be a valuable opportunity to gain practical skills and experience in the hospitality and food service industry.
How to Apply
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