KFC is investing £600,000 in a programme that will link its apprenticeship scheme and in-house training with a degree course at De Montfort University in Leicester.

The fast food chain has launched a business management degree course in its UK outlets.  The company is funding 60 of its restaurant managers in a 3½ year business management course over the next five years.  KFC UK managing director, Martin Shuker, said: “For those who have decided not to go to university, the degrees are just a fabulous thing that we are doing that allows them to grow, develop and fulfill some of their career ambitions.  KFC degrees give us an opportunity to reward some of our best performers, who never had the chance to go to university when they were younger.  Our employees gain a meaningful and respected qualification while still earning money, and we reap the benefits of their improved skills and confidence in the business.”