ROCHELLE — While providing an employment opportunity for non-native English speakers, McDonalds is also looking to provide advancement opportunities for local employees.
In January five employees earned a degree as they graduated from the second level of English Under the Arch.
This program assists employees in learning English as a second language. The class is fully paid for and provided by McDonald’s as a benefit to their employees as part of McDonald’s Archways to Opportunity.
The five employees graduated from the first level in June, and advanced to continue their English. With the learned language, the employees will be able to work in different positions at McDonalds and advance through the local restaurants.

“The class is meant to give crew members language tools necessary to communicate with fellow crew, management and customers,” Federico Yunes, office manager and son of owner Rosa Yunes, explained.
Prior to the class, the majority of the employees had to work in the kitchen, as they did not have the language skills necessary to interact with customers.
“English Under the Arch enables them to move from the kitchen to guest services and eventually a very significant jump to management,” added Yunes.
The students attended class three hours a week for 20 weeks. Class meetings were held in the Rochelle McDonalds as well as virtually.
Xochilth, who became a manager after completing the first level explained the opportunity has been very beneficial for her and the other employees.
“This has been a very good opportunity, I now speak more English at McDonalds and at home,” explained Xochilth.
McDonald’s is committed to leading the industry in promoting comprehensive workforce education in a way that helps employees succeed no matter where they might be on their educational journey. The company aims to use its scale to be part of the solution to close the education gap in this country and they are listening to employee feedback to make developmental programs successful.
McDonalds provides Archways to Opportunities to help employees improve English skills, earn a high school diploma, work towards a college degree and get help making an education plan for success.