Restaurant India News: McDonald’s India North & East Employs Over 2,500 Youth Under Flagship Hiring Programme

McDonald’s India – North & East has reached a significant workforce development milestone by supporting more than 2,500 young individuals in securing their first employment through its flagship initiative, ‘McDonald’s for Youth.’ The achievement marks a notable expansion beyond the programme’s original hiring targets and reflects the company’s growing focus on structured entry-level employment across the region.

The initiative is designed to create access to formal job opportunities for young people, particularly from underserved backgrounds, through partnerships with non-governmental organisations and community-based groups. Along with employment, the programme focuses on building workplace readiness by providing participants with practical skills, confidence, and clear pathways for long-term career development within and beyond the restaurant sector.

Launched as part of McDonald’s broader contribution to India’s workforce growth, the programme integrates the brand’s global training framework. Participants receive structured training in customer service, communication, teamwork, food safety and hygiene, and professional conduct, enabling them to transition effectively into formal work environments.

Rajeev Ranjan, Managing Director, McDonald’s India – North and East, said, “At McDonald’s, we believe every person has the opportunity to grow, learn, and discover their potential. Through ‘McDonald’s for Youth,’ we have supported over 2,500 young individuals in taking their first steps into the workforce, equipping them not just with skills, but with confidence, resilience, and a sense of purpose. Each story of growth reminds us that meaningful opportunities can transform lives, strengthen communities, and build a foundation for a brighter future. This milestone reflects our commitment to empowering youth and creating pathways that extend far beyond the restaurant walls.”

Since its launch, the initiative has expanded across multiple tier 1 and tier 2 markets, including Delhi NCR, Punjab, Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. In its current phase, the programme is increasingly focused on local catchment-based outreach, with teams engaging directly with nearby communities and villages. This approach, supported by NGO partners, has helped improve awareness of formal employment opportunities and drive higher youth participation across regions.

Recruited participants undergo training across core operational areas such as food safety and hygiene, customer interaction, cash handling, teamwork, and restaurant operations. These capabilities are designed to be transferable, improving employability not only within McDonald’s but also across the broader service and hospitality sectors.

Following the completion of this milestone, McDonald’s India – North & East plans to expand the initiative further. The company is actively seeking partnerships with NGOs in additional cities, including Kolkata, Bhubaneshwar, and Lucknow, as it prepares to scale the next phase of its youth employment programme across more markets.