Young apprentice helps ensure McDonald's runs smoothly 24 hours a day (From Basingstoke Gazette)

A young apprentice helps ensure McDonald's at Basingstoke Leisure Park runs smoothly 24 hours a day

6:00am Friday 15th March 2013 in Business By Richard Garfield

HUNGRY customers can now visit McDonald’s at Basingstoke Leisure Park 24 hours a day.

The restaurant is run by Tony Bennett, who has the franchise to run nine restaurants in Hampshire and Dorset, including those at the Top of The Town and Brighton Hill Retail Park.

Mr Bennett said being open 24 hours has created more jobs at the Leisure Park restaurant, jumping from 79 to 104 full and part-time posts.

He said: “If sales continue to progress, we might employ up to 120 people by June.”

Among those helping to ensure that the late shifts run smoothly is 18-year-old Jay Cripps, from Tadley.

He has worked at the restaurant for two years, starting while he was studying A-levels at Queen Mary’s College.

While working for Tony, Jay has continued with his studies and gained an NVQ II in hospitality and catering and a diploma in management through McDonald’s apprenticeship programme.

“My aim is to become a store manager and study for a foundation degree in management business operations,” said Jay.

“I think it’s brilliant to be able to study whilst working at McDonalds. So many of my mates are struggling to find work.”

Clearly delighted with his hard work, Tony said Jay is a shining example of a hard-working employee who has taken the chance to gain nationally-recognised qualifications through the fast food chain.

He said: “McDonald’s is one of the largest providers of apprenticeships in the UK, proving employees of all levels the opportunity to gain further qualifications, while at the same time as earning a wage.”

Within Tony’s group of restaurants, 42 employees gained qualifications last year.