Strong relationships with local employers are key to Global Skills’ success in helping our participants find meaningful, sustainable work. Today we’re celebrating Saronbell Pty Ltd, a major employer on the Central Coast, and the opportunities their partnership has created for our participants.

Saronbell operates 11 McDonald’s restaurants from Umina to Mingara. Our partnership began in May 2025, with Senior Employment Consultant Melinda helping to make the connection. Since then, 17 Global Skills participants have started roles across the business, from front and back-of-house Crew Members to the overnight Maintenance team.

Kyan, a Crew Member at the Erina Fair Food Court McDonald’s, a Transition to Work participant, and recent Rookie of the Month, shared his experience: “Global Skills helped me get the job and talked me through what to expect, which made starting much less stressful. I was nervous at first, but also excited. The training at McDonald’s helped me pick up skills quickly, which made things a lot easier. Everyone I work with is really nice and helpful. The best part of my job is definitely the people, and being named Rookie of the Month was a really nice surprise. My advice to anyone wanting to work here is just go for it. It’s a great place to work.”

Ashton, a Transition to Work participant who works on the overnight Maintenance team at Wyoming McDonald’s, said: “Global Skills helped organise my interview, provided my boots, and made sure I was comfortable starting. McDonald’s also supported me with training and guidance to settle in. When I first started, I was tired, but I’m in the routine now. Nights suit me. I enjoy learning the patterns of the store and seeing how different people work. Each day I work through a list of tasks, and once I finish, I help out wherever else I’m needed.”

Amy Sneath, People, Systems and Compliance and Operations Supervisor at Saronbell, explained the wider context: “We value diversity and ensure that roles are flexible to cater to the strengths and needs of every team member. We’ve found Global Skills especially helpful when we have a specific role to fill. They help us identify the right candidate for each position, whether it’s deliveries, maintenance shifts, or front-of-house work.”

She added: “Seeing our employees, including young people like Kyan and Ashton, succeed across different areas of the business in their own unique ways is the most fulfilling part of my role. Some of our young employees haven’t worked before, so giving them the chance to develop those initial skills is really special. Success looks different for everyone, and it’s wonderful to be able to provide that opportunity.”

Amy’s advice to anyone thinking about working at McDonald’s is simple: “I would encourage them to take the chance. We take care of the rest, make sure everything is organised, and provide great training.”