New Delhi, January 12, 2026: On the occasion of National Youth Day, McDonald’s India – North & East announced that it has supported more than 2,500 young individuals in entering the workforce through its flagship initiative, McDonald’s for Youth. The milestone significantly exceeds the programme’s original hiring targets and highlights the company’s ongoing focus on youth employability and skill development across the region.
The McDonald’s for Youth initiative is designed to create structured employment opportunities for young people, particularly from less-privileged backgrounds. The programme works in collaboration with non-governmental organisations and community groups to identify candidates and equip them with workplace skills, confidence, and long-term growth pathways.
Launched as part of McDonald’s India – North & East’s broader contribution to India’s growth story, the initiative has helped many participants secure their first formal job. It integrates McDonald’s global training curriculum, covering customer service, communication, teamwork, food safety and hygiene, and professional development, enabling participants to build transferable skills relevant across the service sector.
Commenting on the achievement, Rajeev Ranjan, Managing Director, McDonald’s India – North and East, said, “At McDonald’s, we believe every person has the opportunity to grow, learn, and discover their potential. Through ‘McDonald’s for Youth,’ we have supported over 2,500 young individuals in taking their first steps into the workforce, equipping them not just with skills, but with confidence, resilience, and a sense of purpose. Each story of growth reminds us that meaningful opportunities can transform lives, strengthen communities, and build a foundation for a brighter future. This milestone reflects our commitment to empowering youth and creating pathways that extend far beyond the restaurant walls.”
Since its inception, the initiative has expanded across multiple Tier 1 and Tier 2 markets, including Delhi NCR, Punjab, Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. In its current phase, the programme places increased emphasis on local, catchment-based outreach, with McDonald’s teams and NGO partners engaging directly with nearby villages and communities to raise awareness about structured employment opportunities.
Participants recruited under the programme undergo training in key operational areas such as food safety and hygiene, customer service, cash handling, teamwork and restaurant operations. These skills are intended to enhance employability not only within McDonald’s but also across the broader hospitality and service industries.
Following the completion of this milestone, McDonald’s India – North & East plans to further scale the initiative and has invited NGO partners across cities including Kolkata, Bhubaneshwar and Lucknow to collaborate in the next phase of youth employment and skill development.
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