McDonald’s India – North and East has announced that it has provided employment opportunities to more than 1,500 young people across Delhi NCR through its “McDonald’s for Youth” initiative. The programme is aimed at helping young individuals, especially from underprivileged communities, gain access to formal employment and workplace training.

The initiative has been carried out in partnership with several local NGOs and community organisations. Through this collaboration, young job seekers from Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Ghaziabad and Faridabad have been connected with employment opportunities at McDonald’s outlets across the region. Many participants entered the organised workforce for the first time through this programme.

Apart from offering jobs, the programme focuses heavily on skill development and career readiness. Participants are trained using McDonald’s global learning curriculum, which includes customer service, communication skills, restaurant operations, food safety, hygiene practices, teamwork, cash handling and professional behaviour. The company said these skills are transferable and can improve employability in the wider hospitality and service sectors as well.

Rajeev Ranjan, Managing Director of McDonald’s India – North and East, said the company believes young people should be given opportunities to learn, grow and discover their potential. According to him, the initiative has already helped more than 2,500 young individuals begin their professional journeys since its launch. He added that meaningful employment opportunities can strengthen communities while helping youth build confidence and independence.

NGO partners associated with the project also highlighted the programme’s social impact. Rajesh Soundararajan, Director of Katha, stated that many young people in Delhi NCR struggle to access formal jobs and skill-building platforms. He said the partnership with McDonald’s has helped connect youth with stable employment opportunities while improving workplace readiness and financial independence.

The “McDonald’s for Youth” initiative has expanded beyond Delhi NCR into several Tier-1 and Tier-2 cities and states, including Punjab, Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. The company said it is increasingly focusing on local community outreach by engaging directly with villages and neighbourhoods to spread awareness about employment opportunities.

McDonald’s India – North and East operates through Connaught Plaza Restaurants Pvt. Ltd. and currently runs hundreds of restaurants and McCafés across the region. The company also employs thousands of workers directly in its operations.

Following the success of the latest hiring drive, McDonald’s plans to further expand the programme and invite more NGOs to collaborate in the next phase of youth employment initiatives. The company believes such partnerships can create long-term economic and social benefits by helping young people gain practical work experience and sustainable career opportunities.