KFC rolls out apprenticeship scheme to 3,000 employees

Fast food chain KFC has announced plans roll out its intermediate apprenticeship scheme to its entire staff.

The move means that around 3,000 employees in entry level positions at the group will have the chance to study for the City & Guilds-accredited qualification, which is the equivalent of five GCSEs.

The announcement comes as KFC marks National Apprenticeship Week with a graduation day for 25 staff members that have completed the Advanced Apprenticeship scheme, taking the total to do so to more than 100. A further 600 people are currently taking part in the training.

James Watts, vice president of human resources, KFC UK & Ireland, described the apprenticeship programme as integral to the company's learning and development package.

"Apprenticeships really help prepare our people for career progression, and we're looking forward to seeing many more employees develop at KFC in 2013," he said.

According to KFC, every graduate of the Advanced Apprenticeship scheme has either been promoted, or is on course for a promotion, demonstrating the success of the scheme in providing the next generation of managers for the business.

Two employees have even been promoted twice since graduation, becoming Restaurant General Managers (RGMs), where they run million pound businesses and look after around 40 members of staff.