A new €500,000 centre which aims to provide training and skills facilities for McDonald’s 3,500 Irish employees was opened in Dublin’s O’Connell Street today.
Officially opened by the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise Mary Coughlan, the new ' people centre' will provide 800 staff with a chance to attain a certificate in multi-skills hospitality services - a FETAC Level 4 award.
“Regardless of what sector anyone is in, the Government strategy is a one-step-up strategy in skills and it’s quite obvious that today the new centre here is really applying that Government policy,” Ms Coughlan said.
“There is international evidence that suggests that there are a number of benefits of a highly skilled workforce for organisational productivity and innovation.
“The development of the people centre is a great example of private enterprise providing the facilities, training and expertise that will enable their employees to thrive,” the Tánaiste added.
Managing director of McDonald’s Ireland, John Atherton, said in tough times it was “more important than ever” to invest in the future of employees.
The company also announced plans to create 200 new jobs by the end of the year as stores open in Ennis, Maynooth, Portlaoise and Wexford.
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