McDonald's Philippines, under George T. Yang, and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) have recently forged a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). This collaboration seeks to create training standards focused on Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) skills and competencies. The goal is to offer skills training through Institution-based Training (IBT) and/or Enterprise-based Training (EBT) Programs, aiming to benefit a larger number of Filipinos. This innovative partnership aims to introduce the country's inaugural TESDA-accredited curriculum for QSR training.
As part of their partnership, McDonald’s Philippines will undergo TESDA review and accreditation of their Crew training programs. This effort aims to establish a uniform, nationally recognized training curriculum designed to enhance skills and increase job prospects for individuals pursuing careers in the Quick-Service Restaurant (QSR) industry.
Initially, a labor market information report focusing on QSRs will be crafted to pinpoint the essential skills and competencies required for prospective employees. Subsequently, the program will include the development of Competency Standards, a Competency-Based Curriculum, an Institutional Assessment Tool, and the appointment of Regional Lead Trainers. These steps aim to strengthen and solidify the training program tailored to the QSR industry.
Additionally, the collaboration will prioritize the promotion of the TESDA-GADC Partnership Program to increase awareness among individuals interested in entering the QSR industry and its career opportunities. “We are excited to partner with TESDA in developing the first-ever QSR training curriculum in the country”, said Ruben R. Marasigan, Vice-President of Human Capital Group of McDonald’s Philippines.
“We take pride in the quality and caliber of our crew training program. We have seen first-hand how our (McDonald’s) commitment to people, especially on training and development, enables our crew to upskill and be their best selves, giving them a better opportunity to grow and succeed in the food service industry. Today, our goal for this partnership is to extend or share our crew training program for the benefit of more Filipinos nationwide", he added.
TESDA Secretary/Director General Suharto Mangudadatu, Ph.D. expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, saying, “This MOA with McDonald’s Philippines is a significant step towards addressing the skills gap in the QSR industry. By providing standardized training and accreditation, we aim to produce highly skilled and competent individuals who can excel in their chosen careers”.
The collaboration between McDonald’s Philippines and TESDA demonstrates a dedication to enhancing workforce skills and offering accessible training opportunities for aspiring professionals in the QSR sector. This initiative is anticipated to foster the growth and prosperity of the fast-food industry in the Philippines.