From chopping board to mortarboard – new KFC Degree Apprenticeship allows team members to study for free

From chopping board to mortarboard – new KFC Degree Apprenticeship allows team members to study for free!

KFC becomes one of the first in its sector to pioneer new programme

September 1st 2016: KFC and De Montfort University Leicesterhave this year launched a new Degree Apprenticeship programme, offering KFC team members the opportunity to earn and learn at no cost to the individual. The team members, who work full time while studying, will receive a BA (Hons) Degree in Business Management, as well as Chartered Manager status from the Chartered Management Institute, upon completion of the four-year course, which is entirely funded by KFC and the government.

Open to KFC team members and team leaders aged between 16 and 19, the Degree Apprenticeship combines rigorous academic study with real world work experience. Students spend roughly two days a month studying on campus, which is complemented by online sessions, coursework, workplace learning and a personal KFC mentor.

KFC team member Liam Thompson, who is studying on the Degree Apprenticeship programme said:

“I knew I had to go for the KFC Degree Apprenticeship as soon as I saw it, I had applied to study Law and Business at University but the costs really put me off. A lot of people don’t go to university now as it’s too expensive, so I feel really lucky that I am improving my career prospects and continuing my education without getting into any debt!”

KFC is among the first businesses, and one of only two in its sector, to spearhead the new style Degree Apprenticeship, which was announced by the government last year to bring together higher and vocational education. 

Cody Cluff, Chief People Officer for KFC UK & Ireland said:

“We are hugely proud of the Degree Apprenticeship program. As a forward thinking business, the programme will help nurture the talent we need for the future as we grow.”

KFC has a strong history of pioneering new ways to develop its people; in 2013, KFC became the first restaurant company in the UK to launch an honours degree with De Montfort University Leicester. The degree course is open to assistant managers and above, and sees KFC pay for half of course fees, with the other half coming out of monthly salaries. Graduates of the degree programme have carved out successful career paths at KFC, many of which have gone on to work in head office functions or senior management roles. 

Alison Bragg, Head of Corporate Programmes (Degree Apprenticeships) at De Montfort University Leicester said:  

“The Degree Apprenticeship programme covers a range of key business topics including marketing, management and finance. Students will be able to put their studies into practice while they work and at the end of the programme they will be equipped with the vital skills and knowledge needed for a successful career.”