From learning how to bread the famous original recipe chicken, to making decisions at management level, the KFC graduate trainee programme allows employees to progress their career in a direction that suits them. Could the scheme be right for you? Here's how this year's trainees have found it so far.
Andy Colella, 23, studied management and entrepreneurship at Lancaster University before becoming a trainee at KFC
I wanted to become a trainee at KFC because of the great progression opportunities the scheme is offering.
I wanted to be in an environment where you really get to have knowledge of a small business and that's what you get here. At the beginning of the programme you're earning your stripes and getting to know the company from the restaurant point of view. The big aim is to be a franchise coach – that would be the dream – and I think this is the best way of getting it.
There is a culture of recognition at KFC. You are recognised for doing your job brilliantly or for going above and beyond. You can volunteer to do charity work or put an idea to improve the restaurant forward.
I applied to similar programmes elsewhere, but I'm glad I ended up at KFC. From the assessment centre on day one I felt really comfortable with the company and the culture. I knew I was in the right place and I definitely think it's the perfect fit.
Ailis Topley, 21, studied business management at Sheffield University before becoming a KFC trainee
The company really is what it says it is. They've got the nicest and most supportive culture I've ever come across and that was one of the main reasons I applied to the scheme.
I'm based in London's Victoria station and we're learning different things in the restaurant at the moment. It's really exciting and has given us a range of experiences. We'll also learn about management and have an insight into wider, bigger roles.
I'm enthusiastic about corporate social responsibility (CSR), so I'd like to discover more about projects KFC is involved in. I think it's important for companies like KFC to give back to society.
With the scheme you can go into different areas of the business and they are very supportive about it. You work in the restaurant to begin with and from there you progress into other areas that you feel appropriate for you. There's support functions like marketing and HR or more restaurant-based positions, like area and people coaches.
The programme is very tailored to you, but also very structured, and the support is always there. KFC's got such a transparent culture, you can call anybody if you've got a question, they're all so helpful.
Tom Palmer, 23, previously studied management sciences at Loughborough University
When I graduated I applied for a number of schemes and KFC stood out because of its focus on development. Nurturing managers is an integral part of their culture.
The application process wasn't daunting so much as challenging and it consisted of four stages. The first stage was to send a CV and cover letter where I could demonstrate everything that I needed to.
The second stage was a logical online test to gauge your aptitude. Then it was a competency-based phone interview, which was challenging and you couldn't prepare for it. You had to think on your feet as they tried to get to the root of why you wanted to apply.
After that it was the assessment centre, which was the best one I've been to. There were two group exercises and there was one individual task where you had two minutes to explain why you were the perfect candidate for KFC.
I knew as soon as I stepped through the doors that this was the place for me. At some assessment centres you have to play games to fit the role, but at this one they wanted you to be yourself. Throughout the process there was constant feedback from the managers who were personable and welcoming.
At KFC, employees' development is the critical ingredient in success – you show up to work each day knowing that you're constantly working on yourself.
Sam Benson, 23, previously studied hospitality management at Edinburgh Napier University and worked part-time in a number of restaurants and hotel groups
I'm at the beginning of week four at the moment and we're doing team members training. That involves going to each station in the restaurant and getting to grips with how it all works. I worked in the kitchen, which is where the magic happens – we fry and prepare the chicken.
After doing that for a week I moved on to middle of house. That's where you make the burgers and prepare the sides. I've just moved on to drive-through, which is front of house so I get to deal with customers face-to-face.
The past three weeks we've also had coaching and online learning. I've spent a lot of my time with my restaurant manager who's been fantastically supportive and got me involved in management decisions.
What attracted me to the scheme in the first place is the environment and culture that KFC has. On the assessment day I was told there was a people culture where everyone can show their vulnerabilities and they're not seen as weaknesses, but as opportunities to improve. All the managers have really bought into the grad scheme and they want you to progress and succeed. This graduate programme is everything I could have hoped for.
Find out more about KFC's graduate trainee programme here.
