McDonald’s of Portland: An Opportunity for Young People

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McDonald’s is an international fast-food restaurant chain with which most people are familiar.

What many people may not realize, however, is the many ways McDonald’s supports the young people who work there. Through employment, mentoring, educational opportunities and community partnerships, the company provides young people with valuable opportunities to learn and grow.

Taelor Cook is the general manager of the Portland McDonald’s.

“We hire young people for a variety of jobs, ranging from service to kitchen to maintenance work,” said Taelor. “For many teens, this is their first experience with organized work, and it makes for a wonderful opportunity to learn new skills.”

Taelor said that McDonald’s helps young people develop a strong sense of responsibility.

“We teach kids the importance of showing up on time and completing assigned tasks in an efficient manner,” she said. “We show them how to work in a safe and respectful way, as well as how to maintain accountability for their actions. This not only creates good employees for us, but it helps prepare the kids for adult life.”

McDonald’s also places a strong emphasis on teamwork.

“We instruct the kids on how to work together effectively, despite any differences they may have with each other,” continued Taelor. “We teach them to get along with and support one another.”

Taelor said the Portland restaurant also provides informal mentoring and encouragement to its young employees.

“We are very supportive of young people,” she said. “We listen to them as they tell us about how things are going at school, with their families, and on their sporting teams. We provide encouragement as well as a shoulder to lean on.”

The corporation also provides assistance to young people pursuing higher education.

“I think that our college scholarship program is amazing,” said Taelor. “Some of our kids would not be in a position to afford college or a trade school without our help. We also make available no-charge college courses for young people through our own online university.”

“I think that this is all representative of the goodwill that we have toward our kids and toward the community in general,” said Taelor.

In another effort to support education, McDonald’s partners with local schools to provide work-based learning opportunities.

“Young people may work here in place of school classes, and they receive a grade for it,” said Taelor. “In this way, they learn about hospitality, responsibility, and how to maintain high standards for themselves.”

McDonald’s also contributes to local schools through the proceeds from can deposits. In addition, the restaurant works with schools to raise money for third-graders who wish to learn swim safety.

Through all of these efforts, McDonald’s seeks to make a positive difference in the lives of young people and in the community as a whole.

“I feel very grateful and proud to be part of McDonald’s,” said Taelor. “We not only provide what I see as an important service to the community, but I feel that we also contribute to the community’s overall well-being. And I am thankful to Portland for providing us with support for all of these endeavors.”

McDonald’s of Portland

1432 East Grand River Avenue

Portland, MI 48875

Telephone: (517) 647-4680

Hours:

5 a.m. to midnight, every day

mcdonalds.com