Employed at 14, worked her way up to manager

Tyla Gordon, manager at the Gisborne McDonalds, is looking forward to promoting employment opportunities at the restaurant’s career day tomorrow (on Friday). Picture supplied

Tyla Gordon knows a thing or two about managing a fast-paced and popular fast food restaurant.  She’s been a manager of the McDonalds restaurant chain for over 15 years, starting at the tender age of 14 and now approaching 30.

“I needed money, and school just wasn’t for me,” she said.

Tyla worked her way up within an Auckland branch of the franchise. By the time she was 16 she was a shift manager.  Moving from Auckland to Gisborne to help her ailing father, she continued her chosen career path in hospitality, securing a position as restaurant manager of Gisborne McDonalds. She has been in the job for six years.

Tyla sees the restaurant as a good starting point  for young people heading out on their working life.

Through her own successful path, she has made the most of the opportunities extended to her, for development and growth.

“For me it’s given me all the opportunities I’ve needed. I finished all my NCEA (National Certificate of Educational Achievement) Levels, 1, 2 and 3 through McDonalds.  I have had the opportunity to travel around the world,  attending management conferences in Dubai, the USA and Singapore.”

Every year a conference is held in various places around the globe. Before taking on the Gisborne role Tyla travelled to Sydney, finishing her qualifications to perform at a management level back in New Zealand.

“For me, the big part I enjoy is watching young kids come through. They are very shy but they walk out with so much confidence,” she said.

Tomorrow, Friday October 27, McDonald’s NZ is celebrating Career Day.

It is a day to encourage people to explore potential jobs at McDonalds by dropping into their local restaurant where managers, team members and part-time staff will be on hand to talk about employment. Last year’s national hiring day proved to be very successful with over 3500 job hunters choosing to drop in to their local Maccas in search of employment.

The option to come along starts at 12 midday and runs through to 5pm.  All ages are welcome.  This year’s focus is on emphasising the advantages of both part- and full-time employment with the company.

The ability to work flexible shifts, such as overnight or during school hours is an advantage. The opportunity to learn a wide range of skills is a positive step towards gaining employment.

McDonalds might not be for everyone, Tyla says. “But it’s a good starting point for their first job.  Some people may want to go further — the opportunities are available.”

She is negotiating a move to Hamilton where she will become a multi-store site manager for the company.

“This has given me both worlds that I wanted —  my career and the opportunity to travel”.