A Bradford MP has had a taste for how a fast food company is helping people develop their careers in Bradford.

David Ward, MP for Bradford East, met McDonald’s franchisee Duncan Taylor and members of his team to find out more about how the business operates locally and discuss its community activity.

Mr Taylor runs five franchises across the area, at Crystal Peaks Lower Mall, Leeds Road in Thornbury, Forster Square retail park, Drake House retail park and Kirkgate.

The visit, to the Thornbury restaurant, allowed Mr Ward to find out more about the opportunities for career development at McDonald’s and the nationally-recognised accredited qualifications offered while working, such as the McDonald’s Apprenticeship, which 24 of Mr Taylor’s staff are enrolled on.

The apprenticeship scheme provides job skills in customer service, teamwork and communications.

Mr Ward said: “I was delighted to see the McDonald’s Apprenticeship scheme in action and see how it has helped young people to gain essential employment skills.”

Mr Taylor added: “It was a great opportunity for my staff and I to meet our local MP, and for Mr Ward to see the steps we take to ensure our customers get the best possible service every day.

“As a franchised restaurant we are essentially a local business and I’m very pleased we had the opportunity to show him our kitchen and restaurant operations and explain the many changes we have introduced in recent years to our menu, our investment in our staff and our re-imaged restaurants.”

The Telegraph & Argus is supporting companies working to help employers develop their careers with its Foundation for Jobs campaign.

We aim to highlight the good work being done across the district to tackle the rising tide of youth unemployment.