A MCDONALD’S manager at Cheshire Oaks has become one of the first people in the UK to gain a McDonald’s foundation degree in managing business operations.

Iain Gillies is one of 46 McDonald’s restaurant managers across the country to complete the qualification, which was launched in 2010.

He graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University and was awarded his certificate during a ceremony at Bridgewater Hall, Manchester.

Iain, 31, who lives in Liverpool, said: “I enrolled on a university course a few years ago but I realised the subject wasn’t the right fit for me so I didn’t complete it. When I heard about the foundation degree at McDonald’s I jumped at the chance of studying toward a university qualification again, but this time I had the added bonus of both earning at the same time and studying toward something relevant to my career.

“The course was an extremely rewarding, yet challenging experience and overall I found the mix of practical and classroom-based learning to be a good structure for me personally. I have greatly increased my knowledge of how the business is run and my time management skills have considerably improved since graduating.

“The course has really given me fresh enthusiasm for my job and I intend to stay within the business and progress.”

McDonald’s worked closely with Manchester Metropolitan University to accredit its management development programme, creating a foundation degree. Learning opportunities include certificates in adult literacy and numeracy, apprenticeships and a diploma in shift management.