HARD-WORKING apprentices at Halesowen McDonald's have been awarded their new qualifications by James Morris MP.

The apprentices gained practical skills in customer service, food preparation, business development, hygiene and safety regulations, whilst also studying for a City and Guilds certificate in Hospitality and Catering.

Since finishing the academic parts of their apprenticeships, many of the staff have already been promoted into supervisory, training and management roles.

Halesowen and Rowley Regis MP James Morris said: “This week’s jobs figures shows that the hospitality industry is one of the biggest employers in the West Midlands region, with 8,000 new jobs created in the past year.

“The McDonald’s apprenticeship scheme is recognised as one of the best in the country, and the qualifications that these apprentices have gained will be valuable for a whole range of careers.”

Halesowen McDonald’s franchisee Afia Sirkhot said: “It was great for our apprentices to have a chance to meet with James during the scheme and I was delighted when he offered to come back again now that they have completed the programme.

“They have all done very well and are already making a fantastic contribution to the success of the business.”

Newly-qualified assistant manager Adam Jeavons said: “It was great to meet my local MP – and to talk to him about my career aspirations."