"I went to interviews but I could not get a job because I did not have any work experience."
She had completed a special effects make-up course in Auckland but that did not help her find employment in the beauty or hospitality industry.
Picking persimmons part-time with her father was her only job.
She started off in the kitchen at McDonald's in Greerton on the breakfast shift.
However, her responsibilities increased with time and she has gained NZQA accredited qualifications.
"I am doing everything now including closing the restaurant. I really like the crew and the people and I think I want to get into the management side."
McDonald's Tauranga Group owner/operator John Warder said it had employed up to 100 people this year and he felt "Tauranga was back on the radar" after a period of "being pretty static".
He started off as a crew person 24 years ago - today he held the franchise for four Tauranga McDonald's at 11th Avenue, Greerton, Mount Maunganui and Bayfair.
Development of staff was paramount, he said.
"The opportunities are huge but it's driven by their desire.
"We are planning out our training for next year and some of those classes will be in Australia so we will be sending some people over there."
