Popular restaurant chain Pizza Hut in the United Kingdom is planning to launch more than 1,000 degree level apprenticeships for its staff together with the Manchester Metropolitan University.
During the degree level program candidates will be trained in a wide range of skills including financial analysis and food production, according to the Manchester Evening News.
The program will run for five years, and during its duration will offer 1,500 apprentices in total at different levels of programs from a basic level to a degree level. The report said while some candidates will study at the Manchester Metropolitan University, others at less academic levels will be trained within Pizza Hut.
The program will combine practical aspects as well as academic programs "to equip (candidates) with skills for life, not just for working in a restaurant."
Pizza Hut Restaurants Director - HR and Marketing, Kathryn Austin in the Britain told the Telegraph, "The launch of our apprenticeships comes at an exciting time for our business as we continue to make headway in our refurbishment program."
According to the publication, Minister of Skills in Britain, Nick Boles said apprenticeships add value to the local workforce and the one's offered by Pizza Hut will give employees the opportunity to gain skills while working.
Meanwhile, Pizza Hut may not be the only fast food restaurant to offer apprenticeships, with KFC and McDonald's conducting a similar program. In 2012, KFC launched its KFC degrees program in partnership with the De Montfort University in Leicester. The project allowed 20 restaurant managers to become qualified a year through the three-year course duration.