Crew trainer Review
at McDonald's
Level 2 Apprenticeship
Hospitality Management
Norwich
Review Submitted: July 2025
Overall Rating
5 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
5/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
As a Crew Trainer at McDonald’s, my primary role is to support the training and development of new and existing crew members, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to deliver high-quality service and maintain McDonald’s operational standards. I act as a bridge between crew members and management, fostering a positive learning environment and promoting teamwork, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I genuinely enjoy my apprenticeship programme and see it as a valuable opportunity for both personal and professional growth. It has given me the chance to build on-the-job experience while gaining formal qualifications, which has been incredibly rewarding.
What I enjoy most is how the programme combines practical learning with theoretical knowledge. I get to apply what I learn in real-time during my shifts at McDonald’s, which makes the training feel relevant and useful. It’s helped me better understand the bigger picture of how the business runs, from customer service and teamwork to health and safety and leadership.
I also appreciate the support I’ve received throughout the programme—from my trainers, managers, and colleagues. Their encouragement has helped me stay motivated and confident in my progress.
Overall, the apprenticeship has made me more focused, more skilled, and more prepared for future career opportunities. It’s been a challenging but rewarding experience that I’m proud to be part of.
What I enjoy most is how the programme combines practical learning with theoretical knowledge. I get to apply what I learn in real-time during my shifts at McDonald’s, which makes the training feel relevant and useful. It’s helped me better understand the bigger picture of how the business runs, from customer service and teamwork to health and safety and leadership.
I also appreciate the support I’ve received throughout the programme—from my trainers, managers, and colleagues. Their encouragement has helped me stay motivated and confident in my progress.
Overall, the apprenticeship has made me more focused, more skilled, and more prepared for future career opportunities. It’s been a challenging but rewarding experience that I’m proud to be part of.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I've significantly improved my ability to lead by example and guide others in a fast-paced environment.
Training new staff has helped me develop patience, clarity in communication, and the ability to adapt my approach to different learning styles.
2. Communication Skills
I’ve strengthened my communication, both when giving clear instructions during training and when providing constructive feedback.
I’ve also learned to handle difficult conversations more professionally and confidently.
3. Time Management and Organization
Balancing training responsibilities while also working regular crew duties has helped me become more efficient and better at prioritizing tasks.
I’ve learned how to manage shift transitions and plan ahead to ensure training doesn't disrupt overall operations.
4. Teamwork and Collaboration
I’ve developed a deeper understanding of team dynamics and how to keep morale high, especially during busy or stressful periods.
Helping newer crew members integrate into the team has improved my ability to foster collaboration and mutual support.
5. Problem-Solving and Decision Making
I’ve become more confident in identifying and resolving issues on the floor, whether it’s operational challenges or training gaps.
I’ve also improved at thinking quickly and calmly under pressure.
Training new staff has helped me develop patience, clarity in communication, and the ability to adapt my approach to different learning styles.
2. Communication Skills
I’ve strengthened my communication, both when giving clear instructions during training and when providing constructive feedback.
I’ve also learned to handle difficult conversations more professionally and confidently.
3. Time Management and Organization
Balancing training responsibilities while also working regular crew duties has helped me become more efficient and better at prioritizing tasks.
I’ve learned how to manage shift transitions and plan ahead to ensure training doesn't disrupt overall operations.
4. Teamwork and Collaboration
I’ve developed a deeper understanding of team dynamics and how to keep morale high, especially during busy or stressful periods.
Helping newer crew members integrate into the team has improved my ability to foster collaboration and mutual support.
5. Problem-Solving and Decision Making
I’ve become more confident in identifying and resolving issues on the floor, whether it’s operational challenges or training gaps.
I’ve also improved at thinking quickly and calmly under pressure.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
Overall, I find the apprenticeship programme to be well-organised and clearly structured. There is a clear pathway from the start, with set goals, learning modules, and timelines, which makes it easy to understand what’s expected at each stage.
The balance between practical, on-the-job learning and written coursework is well managed. Each module builds on the last, helping me develop my skills gradually and with purpose. I appreciate having regular check-ins with my assessor or mentor, as this helps me stay on track and gives me the chance to ask questions or get support when needed.
There are also useful resources available, both online and through in-store support, which makes the learning process more accessible and flexible—even during busy shifts.
Of course, like any programme, there can be occasional challenges with time management, especially during peak business hours. But overall, the structure of the programme has made it easier to stay organised, motivated, and focused on my development.
The balance between practical, on-the-job learning and written coursework is well managed. Each module builds on the last, helping me develop my skills gradually and with purpose. I appreciate having regular check-ins with my assessor or mentor, as this helps me stay on track and gives me the chance to ask questions or get support when needed.
There are also useful resources available, both online and through in-store support, which makes the learning process more accessible and flexible—even during busy shifts.
Of course, like any programme, there can be occasional challenges with time management, especially during peak business hours. But overall, the structure of the programme has made it easier to stay organised, motivated, and focused on my development.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I receive a good level of support from my employer throughout the apprenticeship programme. From the start, my managers and colleagues have been approachable and willing to help, whether it’s with on-the-job training, time management, or understanding the coursework.
My employer makes sure I have time during shifts to focus on my apprenticeship tasks when needed, and they regularly check in on my progress. I feel comfortable asking questions or requesting extra help, and I’m encouraged to learn at my own pace while still meeting deadlines.
The support I receive helps me feel confident in my role and shows that my development is valued. It also creates a positive environment where I feel motivated to grow and succeed in both the apprenticeship and my day-to-day job.
My employer makes sure I have time during shifts to focus on my apprenticeship tasks when needed, and they regularly check in on my progress. I feel comfortable asking questions or requesting extra help, and I’m encouraged to learn at my own pace while still meeting deadlines.
The support I receive helps me feel confident in my role and shows that my development is valued. It also creates a positive environment where I feel motivated to grow and succeed in both the apprenticeship and my day-to-day job.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
I receive a good level of support from my training provider while working towards my qualifications. My trainer or assessor is regularly in contact, either through scheduled visits, online check-ins, or messaging, which helps me stay on track with my coursework and understand what’s expected.
They provide clear guidance on each unit and are always available to answer questions or explain things in more detail if I’m unsure. The feedback I receive on my work is constructive and helps me improve, and they’re very encouraging when it comes to progressing through the programme.
I also appreciate how they adapt their support to suit my learning style and pace, especially when balancing training with work responsibilities. Overall, their support makes a big difference to my confidence and success in the apprenticeship.
They provide clear guidance on each unit and are always available to answer questions or explain things in more detail if I’m unsure. The feedback I receive on my work is constructive and helps me improve, and they’re very encouraging when it comes to progressing through the programme.
I also appreciate how they adapt their support to suit my learning style and pace, especially when balancing training with work responsibilities. Overall, their support makes a big difference to my confidence and success in the apprenticeship.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
I feel that the qualification I’m working towards through my training provider has helped me perform better in my role in several ways. It’s given me a deeper understanding of the principles behind what we do at McDonald’s—such as customer service, food safety, teamwork, and communication—which allows me to approach tasks more confidently and professionally.
The course content often connects directly to my day-to-day responsibilities, so I’m able to apply what I learn immediately on the job. For example, learning more about health and safety has helped me become more aware of best practices in the kitchen, and modules on leadership and communication have improved how I support and train other team members as a Crew Trainer.
Overall, the qualification has helped me become more knowledgeable, more efficient, and more proactive in my role. It’s also given me a clearer understanding of how my work contributes to the overall success of the business.
The course content often connects directly to my day-to-day responsibilities, so I’m able to apply what I learn immediately on the job. For example, learning more about health and safety has helped me become more aware of best practices in the kitchen, and modules on leadership and communication have improved how I support and train other team members as a Crew Trainer.
Overall, the qualification has helped me become more knowledgeable, more efficient, and more proactive in my role. It’s also given me a clearer understanding of how my work contributes to the overall success of the business.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
Yes, there are some extra-curricular activities available at work, although they can vary depending on the location and team. At my McDonald’s, we occasionally take part in social activities such as team outings, staff meals, or informal get-togethers to celebrate milestones like birthdays or store achievements. These events help build stronger relationships between team members and create a more positive working environment.
There are also opportunities to get involved in company-wide events or initiatives, such as fundraising for McDonald’s charity partners like Ronald McDonald House Charities. While we don’t have formal sports teams or professional networking events at the store level, McDonald’s as a wider organisation does offer development programmes and events that support career growth and networking within the company.
Overall, while extra-curricular activities may not be frequent, they are encouraged when possible and are a great way to stay engaged and connected with the team.
There are also opportunities to get involved in company-wide events or initiatives, such as fundraising for McDonald’s charity partners like Ronald McDonald House Charities. While we don’t have formal sports teams or professional networking events at the store level, McDonald’s as a wider organisation does offer development programmes and events that support career growth and networking within the company.
Overall, while extra-curricular activities may not be frequent, they are encouraged when possible and are a great way to stay engaged and connected with the team.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend McDonald's to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would recommend the apprenticeship programme to a friend because it’s a great way to earn while you learn, gain practical experience, and build a solid foundation for future career opportunities. The programme gives you real responsibility from day one, while also providing structured support and training to help you grow.
You don’t just learn how to do the job—you develop valuable skills in communication, teamwork, leadership, and customer service that are useful in any career. The balance between hands-on work and studying keeps things engaging, and the support from both the employer and training provider makes it easier to succeed.
It’s a great opportunity for anyone who wants to gain qualifications, develop confidence, and progress in a professional environment—especially if they prefer learning in a practical, real-world setting rather than a classroom.
You don’t just learn how to do the job—you develop valuable skills in communication, teamwork, leadership, and customer service that are useful in any career. The balance between hands-on work and studying keeps things engaging, and the support from both the employer and training provider makes it easier to succeed.
It’s a great opportunity for anyone who wants to gain qualifications, develop confidence, and progress in a professional environment—especially if they prefer learning in a practical, real-world setting rather than a classroom.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to McDonald's?
Be Yourself and Stay Positive
McDonald’s looks for people who are friendly, reliable, and ready to work as part of a team. Show a positive attitude during your interview and be yourself—enthusiasm goes a long way.
McDonald’s looks for people who are friendly, reliable, and ready to work as part of a team. Show a positive attitude during your interview and be yourself—enthusiasm goes a long way.
