MCDONALD`S staff can now take the equivalent of an A-level in running burger bars.
The fast food giant won government approval for the ?basic shift manager? course ? the first time a firm has been able to award nationally recognised qualifications for a training scheme.
Staff are examined on human resources, marketing and customer service.
Skills Secretary John Denham said: ?It is right that we recognise and accredit employers that have shown a commitment to training and developing their staff.
?This is an important step towards ending the old divisions between company training schemes and national qualifications, something that will benefit employees, employers and the country as a whole.?
Giving qualifications equivalent status to A-levels raises the prospect that staff could take a course at McDonald`s and then go on to college or university.
But it will be universities and the higher education admissions service Ucas who decide whether the courses that emerge from these companies will be a good preparation for undergraduate study.
David Fairhurst, senior vice president and chief people officer from McDonald`s said the move marked ?an important and exciting step? for the company.
?As a progressive employer we are committed to taking a leadership position on training and skills,? he said.
?We want to ensure that our approach to recruitment, training, and development continues to create real opportunities for social mobility.?
Network Rail and Flybe were also approved to run courses.
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