A government scheme to be launched in coming months will see McDonald's restaurants train unemployed young people.
Social Development Minister Paula Bennett says the programme includes up to 12 weeks of pre-employment training, followed by up to a year of mentoring on the job.
The scheme will take youths referred by Work and Income and has been set up by the Government, McDonald's and the Hospitality Standards Institute.
Ms Bennett rejects criticism that the scheme would fail to upskill people, saying the restaurant has a training programme and is regarded as a good employer.
Selected restaurants throughout New Zealand will take part in the scheme by September.
