By Joy Fang

THEY missed their chance to pursue higher education in their younger days but two McDonald's employees will now get another shot at furthering their studies.

Sponsored by the fast-food chain, restaurant managers Mohammed Zaini Rahmin and Evon Choo will each get aWorkforce Skills Qualifications Diploma in Food and Beverage Service by March next year.

Mr Zaini, 31, told my paper he was speechless with gratitude after finding out that he had been selected for the programme.

"There are no words to describe what it's like to be given a second chance in life. It's one in a million," he said.

Mrs Choo, 37, who has worked in the fast-food chain for over 22 years, said she stopped studying after completing her O-level examinations. "I wanted to further my studies but, because of financial problems, I couldn't do so," she said.

Launched in 2004, McDonald's University Accredited Programme (UAP) has seen over 400 McDonald's employees graduating with higher qualifications.

The restaurant chain will pump about $1 million into the programme by the end of the year.

This year, the 12-month course will feature a new partnership between UAP, the Workforce Development Agency and the Singapore campus of the University of Nevada Las Vegas.

Mr Alex Yeo, general manager of McDonald's Singapore, said UAP provided an opportunity for employees to further their education.

He said: "UAP is specially designed to complement McDonald's in-house training programme, and it further equips our employees with extra skills and knowledge for career development. We believe in investing in our people for the long term."

For Mr Zaini and Mrs Choo, the knowledge gained is invaluable.

Said Mr Zaini: "Now, we understand in depth why things are done in a certain manner.

"After the course, I'll be thinking about how I can impart this to my team."

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