RENO — Eleven McDonald’s managers from the northern Nevada area are the first group to complete the English Under the Arches (EUA) program in the local area. This educational course, administered by the McDonald’s Corporation, is an innovative English as a Second Language (ESL) program that teaches managers the English they need to communicate effectively and confidently with customers and staff at the restaurant. The courses required to complete the program focus on shift tasks and people management, and are part of the restaurant chains commitment to improving the quality of life for its employees.

“McDonald’s is committed to investing in our employees, and preparing them for success in our restaurants and in life,” said Tom McKennie, a local McDonald’s restaurant owner from Reno. “We are proud of these 11 individuals for having the courage to complete this course, and improving their English language skills to better serve our customers.”

EUA is comprised of four courses that focus on shift basics, shift conversation, shift writing and conducting performance reviews. The program includes face-to-face classes, live virtual classes attended at the restaurant, on-the-job practice and e-learning practice, all facilitated by professional ESL instructors. Since the program’s inception, it has achieved an overall 86 percent graduation rate throughout the McDonald’s system in the United States.

A graduation ceremony for the managers was held on Wednesday at the Swire Coca-Cola Distribution Center in Sparks. The graduates were honored by program administrators and McDonald’s restaurant owners, and received congratulations from Ronald McDonald as part of the festivities.