Archways to Opportunity allows up-and-coming staff to put their work experience at Macca’s towards university degrees. 

Skills such as communication, leadership and problem-solving can be turned into verified micro-credentials recognised for university credit in courses such as business, commerce, management, HR, technology and IT. 

Each micro-credential counts for up to one subject credit in an undergraduate degree. 

Stacked together, they can also ladder up to direct entry into a master of business administration. 

Several Australian universities including the Territory’s Charles Darwin, have joined the program. 

The NT’s leading McDonald’s licensee, Vicki-Leigh Lettice, says Archways is a marvellous way for Territorians to use their work experience to help gain a life-changing degree, which could lead them into a successful management career or even a Macca’s franchise. 

She is living proof that working at the global fast-food chain can be a pathway to a rewarding and well-paid career. 

Vicki started working at McDonald’s when she was at school and is now the licensee of seven restaurants in Darwin and Katherine. 

Charles Darwin University Acting Vice- Chancellor Professor Fiona Coulson says: “We’re delighted to partner with McDonald’s to expand access to our innovative business courses. 

“Together, we share a commitment to creating opportunities and pathways for people to learn, grow and succeed. And this partnership helps make that possible for more people.” 

Two young Territorians, Arran Kenna and Yasmin Hahn, who met while working at Macca’s, have just gained a McDonald’s franchise. 

Arran started at the restaurant chain when he was 18 and worked his way up from night shift to manager. 

Yasmin started working at Macca’s when she was 14. 

“I’ve always wanted to own a business,” says Arran. 

Vicki says she and her husband Greg are delighted to see two of their young staff moving into business on their own. 

“They will achieve financial independence for the rest of their lives.” 

One in 12 Australians have worked at McDonald’s. 

Alumni can be found across the country – from running restaurants as franchisees, building small businesses, working in corporate boardrooms and even in Australia’s parliaments. 

The company is recognised worldwide for offering top-class training. 

It combines on-the-job experience with formal learning opportunities to help people develop transferable skills that set them up for success within the restaurant chain and across other industries. 

Territory bosses recognise the quality of McDonald’s training. 

For instance, a Darwin pub landlord says: “If anyone comes to me for a job and has ‘worked at Macca’s’ on their CV, I never hesitate to take them on. You know they are going to be good.” TQ