Reinforcing its commitment to youth empowerment and inclusive growth, McDonald’s India – North and East has enabled employment opportunities for over 1500 young individuals across Delhi NCR through its flagship initiative, McDonald’s for Youth. Implemented in partnership with local NGOs and community organisations, the initiative has created pathways to employment for youth across Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Ghaziabad and Faridabad, helping many take their first step into the formal workforce.

The program focuses on creating meaningful employment opportunities for young people, particularly those from less privileged backgrounds, while equipping participants with essential skills, confidence, and pathways for long-term growth.

Launched with the aim of contributing to India’s growth story, the initiative has played a crucial role in helping many individuals secure their first job and build workplace readiness. Through McDonald’s global training curriculum, participants receive structured learning across customer service, communication, restaurant operations, cash handling, food safety and hygiene, teamwork, and professional development. The program equips youth with transferable skills that enhance long-term employability within McDonald’s as well as across the wider service sector.

According to Rajeev Ranjan, Managing Director, McDonald’s India – North and East, “At McDonald’s India- North and East, we believe the youth deserves the opportunity to grow, learn, and discover their potential. Through ‘McDonald’s for Youth,’ we work with like- minded organisations, and have supported over 2,500 young individuals in taking their first steps into the workforce. 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.”

According to Rajesh Soundararajan, Director, Katha, “Delhi NCR is home to a large population of young individuals seeking access to formal employment opportunities and skill-building platforms. Through our partnership with McDonald’s, we have been able to connect youth with meaningful first-job opportunities, helping them build confidence, financial independence, and workplace readiness. We remain committed to supporting their long-term growth and ensuring this initiative continues to create impact at the grassroots level.”

Since its inception, the initiative has expanded across tier 1 and 2 markets, including Delhi NCR, Punjab, Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. In its current phase, the program is increasingly driven by local catchment-based outreach, where teams engage directly with nearby villages and communities. Through direct engagement with nearby communities and villages, McDonald’s and its NGO partners have enabled greater awareness of structured employment opportunities and supported higher youth participation across markets.

Following the successful completion of this milestone, McDonald’s India – North and East plans to scale the initiative further and is inviting NGO partners across Delhi NCR and other key markets to collaborate on the next phase of youth employment. If you’re running an NGO and interested in participating in this drive, kindly reach out to us at hiring.ngo@del.in.mcd.com

About McDonald’s India North and East: McDonald’s restaurants in North and East of India are operated by Connaught Plaza Restaurants Pvt. Ltd. McDonald’s is committed to delivering the highest quality restaurant experience to its customers in India and serves a variety of menu options made with quality ingredients sourced locally. McDonald’s serves millions of customers annually at its 300 restaurants and 198 McCafe across North and East India and provides direct employment to more than 6,000 people. With a customer-centric approach, McDonald’s operates through a variety of formats and brand extensions including standalone restaurants, Drive-thru’s, and 24/7 restaurants for customer convenience and experience.