An innovative partnership between Red Energy Arena, Bendigo Braves and McDonald’s® Australia is opening a world of employment opportunities for our young people.

Macca’s® came on board as naming rights partner for the Braves Men in October 2023.

That partnership has allowed young people in our community to link up with the local franchisee and access the fantastic training and work possibilities on offer at Macca’s.

“So far, this partnership has helped to support the basketball club, helped me to become more immersed in the community, and also helped us with our recruitment efforts,” Ben Duncan, Licensee for McDonald’s Bendigo, California Gully, Epsom, Kangaroo Flat and Strath Village, says.

“Working together with the club, we have been able to connect to the local community in the area, advertise our workplace and drive our application numbers.

“We’ve been fortunate to be able to advertise at Red Energy Arena and through their social media platforms which has a great reach to the local community.

“When we have re-hit these campaigns at intervals throughout the year, we have definitely seen an increase in applications which has been fantastic and such a huge help!”

Two young people in our community who have taken advantage of this partnership are Hannah and Tim.

Hannah has noticed since starting employment with Macca’s her time management and communications skills have improved.

“There are lots of opportunities to train and learn all different stations, from cooking to making coffee,” she says.

“I’m currently service trained and will be moving to the kitchen shortly. I would also like to move into a management role, so the restaurant is creating a development pathway for me which is exciting.”

Tim is also excited by the potential for a pathway into management.

“The training opportunities on offer here at Macca’s are second to none,” he says.

“I’ve been fortunate to gain both a Certificate II and III in Retail, First Aid, Fire Safety, and high class management training.

“From a crew member to a manager, there are heaps of opportunities. I’m working towards my goal of being a restaurant manager one day.”

Ben says the focus on learning and progression is a hallmark of the McDonald’s pathway.

“Training is huge at Maccas. It’s the foundation of what we do every day,” he says.

“Teaching our staff what to do, how to do it and why we do it is the most rewarding part of our job.

“There’s a system. There are processes, policies and procedures. That’s what makes Macca’s a success by using a tried and tested system – it just works.

“This system develops critical skills that can be applied to any workplace, particularly for our community’s youth who are just starting out and new to the workforce.

“As one of the largest employers in Australia, we offer a supportive working environment, world-class training programs and the opportunity to develop a long-term career with McDonald’s.”

We love this partnership and the way it enables our young people to start their career in a supportive workplace.

If you would like to learn more about working with Macca’s, click here.

Thank you to Ben and the Macca’s team for your support!