Aurora McDonald's employees graduate from English Under the Arches program
When Dora Contreras, 34, was hired at McDonald's in Aurora 14 years ago, she didn't know basic English, but she needed the job to support her three children after relocating from Durango, Mexico. Contreras worked hard over the years and was promoted to manager, but she wanted to improve her language skills. Contreras achieved that goal May 30 when she graduated with nine other crew members from the English Under the Arches program.
For the past eight weeks, Contreras and her classmates practiced reading, writing, and learning the quirks of the English language in "McDonald's speak," such as not pronouncing the "t" in Filet-O-Fish sandwich. During the comprehensive course offered both online and in the classroom, students participated in conversation scenarios from recommending menu items like hot fries to customers; to training new crew members how to grill hamburgers.
"I like talking to customers," said Contreras, who at first found acronyms challenging. "I feel safe when I speak now. I am more confident."
All 10 crew members received a diploma and celebrated their achievement during a graduation ceremony in a room decorated with balloons following the final class. They are ready and eager to put their skills to work at the restaurants.
"I saw fear when some of you came in, but you did everything you were supposed to do. I see smiles on your faces now," Archways instructor Karen Fuist told the students at the final class. "You listened and your attendance was the best of any class I've taught in ten years. I am so proud of you."
Gloria and Keith Kazanova, owner/operators of five McDonald's restaurants in Aurora, have been champions of the English Arches program to help their employees succeed at work and in life.
"Every person deserves the opportunity to achieve their goals and I think this will make your life easier. That's our hope for all of you, that it becomes easier in the restaurant and outside," said Keith Kazanova. "Congratulations to all the graduates from the English Under the Arches."
Lorena Garcia, 28, originally from Mexico, has been working at McDonald's for the past four years. She started in the kitchen because she was uncomfortable speaking, but now has been promoted to shift manager and enjoys interacting with customers in English.
Archways programs are open to all McDonald's employees helping them finish high school, earn an Associate's or Bachelor's degree or even learn English, so they can achieve their goals. Nearly 100 local crew members in the greater Chicago region have graduated from the online and in-person course in the past year. For more information about McDonald's English Under the Arches Program at www.archwaystoopportunity.com.
About McDonald's USA
McDonald's USA, LLC, serves a variety of menu options made with quality ingredients to more than 25 million customers every day. Nearly 90 percent of McDonald's 14,000 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated by businessmen and women. Customers can now log online for free at approximately 11,500 participating Wi-Fi enabled McDonald's U.S. restaurants. For more information, visit www.mcdonalds.com, or follow us on Twitter @McDonald's and Facebook www.facebook.com/mcdonalds.