- Posted on 6 Nov 2025
- 3 minutes read
A partnership with McDonald’s will see academic opportunities for restaurant staff to boost their careers.
UTS is the first NSW public university to partner with McDonald’s Australia and Capability.Co to offer an academic training pathway to tailored business degrees, allowing restaurant staff to sharpen their business acumen and specialise in areas such as marketing, accounting, human resource management, finance and more.
McDonald’s crew coaches and managers can undertake on-the-job learning, face-to-face training and workplace experience in areas like communication, problem-solving and leadership through the Archways to Opportunity program.
Through Archways to Opportunity, McDonald's employees earn eight verified and transferable microcredentials, which can count as credit toward an undergraduate Bachelor of Business or Bachelor of Management.
The program will provide clear pathway opportunities for young staff whose first job may been on the checkout but who want to pursue a career through the organisation, right up to senior staff who wish to upskill into more leadership roles.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (External Engagement and Partnerships) at UTS Dr Alana Piper, said the partnership was a positive step in providing employer-led pathways to higher education.
“UTS’s phenomenally successful business program and close partnerships with industry align naturally with McDonald’s leadership in talent development.
“We’ve long recognised that university and career pathways aren’t always linear, and there is incredible value in recognising and integrating work-based training with academic study.
“We recognise the benefit in bringing research, learning and industry partnerships together in an environment that unlocks new capabilities for executives.”
McDonald’s Australia’s CEO, Joe Chiczewski, said, “Macca’s has always been famous for our exceptional skills and training programs, and Archways to Opportunity is the next evolution in that investment in our people.
“By recognising the capabilities developed through real work and experience, we are creating new pathways for lifelong learning and career progression – an investment we’re proud to lead at a time when more and more people are looking outside the traditional school-to-campus pathway.
“We’re one of Australia’s largest employers of young people, and we’re committed to providing opportunities for employees to develop the types of skills that will set them up for success. To be able to work, earn a wage and have your training and experience count towards tertiary education is an incredible advantage for any young person.”
Once earned, the micro-credentials don’t expire, giving people the flexibility to plan their future, in their own time, and their way.