As a busy mum to four children aged from seven to 17, her job at McDonald's has enabled her to learn new skills and fit in with her busy family life. "I never had the chance to get any formal qualifications before I joined McDonald's," she explains. "But when I got there I realised this didn't matter. I was able to prove how good I was at working as part of a busy team and I loved talking to customers - I jumped at the chance to become an apprentice. I love working in the restaurant, and best of all, I can fit my shifts and studying around my kids."
In order to start the apprenticeship, O'Neill needed to gain maths and English GCSE-equivalent qualifications. She studied for these through McDonald's employee website, Our Lounge, and is completing the other elements of her apprenticeship in the Failsworth restaurant where she works.
O'Neill was promoted to crew trainer after only a few months at McDonald's, and was recommended for the management programme, which offered her the chance to study for her Level 3 diploma in shift management, just before Christmas.
She now feels confident about the future and relishes her job at McDonald's. "Working at McDonald's has given me options I just didn't have before, and I'm already using my new skills. Studying maths and English at GCSE-level means I can help the kids with their homework, something I always found impossible. My family, friends and team mates are really behind me and my long-term goal is to become a restaurant manager one day."
Roy Whittaker, the restaurant manager at Failsworth, knew Jodie had potential right from the start. "At McDonald's we recruit on attitude and ability and Jodie made a big impression in her first interview," he says.
"Although she hadn't worked for a long time, her drive and passion came shining through and we know she'd be brilliant addition to the team. The apprenticeship programme has given her a huge amount of confidence and it's been great to see her blossom."
