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"It’s really important to be passionate about what you do. The youth bring a good amount of excitement and enthusiasm to the table."

"Most of the young people you employ, there’s a reason you employ them. You see something in them, a spark and a passion that you want to encourage."

“Youth can self direct and problem solve. They're good at critiquing how things are done, and will let you know if they don’t agree with something or that systems could be better.”

"Set the standards, then allow a youth to showcase that they can meet those standards. Remain open to the possibilities, or you could miss out on an opportunity to move your business forward." 

“Reflect on your own time as a youth and the opportunities you were given. Be available, the children of today are the minds of tomorrow.”

"It's about giving people opportunities. We love to see people go through and mature and have the opportunity to stay within the organisation, grow their skills and be stretched and challenged along the way." 

"I think sometimes youth can get a little lost on how to behave professionally, how to use your manners and how to speak differently to how you would in the weekend. You’ve got to learn how to be professional and I think we need to teach young ones that." 

"When I first started working at McDonalds I quickly realised it wasn't just about making a Big Mac, or making fries. It’s all about working in a team. McDonalds can be a great way to start your career, even if you’re not going to be in the industry forever." 

"We want to pass on what we know. Whilst we will be telling people what to do, we’ll also be sure to show them how to do it, and explain why they’re doing it. It’s not enough to just show someone how to do something… they need to know why they’re doing it - you need to teach as you go"

"Youth going out into the workforce is always a really daunting task, but you know what? If you can put your best foot forward, grit your teeth and get into it, search through your connections and ask a lot of questions - eventually, you’ll get a bite!" 

"When looking for a job I got so many rejections. You just have to keep going. It is difficult and I'm not saying its easy, cause it's not. You have keep going, keep trying, and something will come. Eventually, something good will happen if you keep trying" 

"I was really lucky. When I was a young punk at 16 I was taken on as a trainee manager. Now you don’t get these sort of things now. I was given a good break myself and I've never forgotten that. I like that happening wherever I work, so we always we make sure we get some young people in so they can learn the trade" 

"Don’t be scared of employing youth. They have so much to offer. It's all about mentoring and growing and letting them discover new opportunities as well. For them to discover those opportunities, you have to give them one to start with."