This is our own independent research from public sources. The employer hasn't reviewed, paid for or approved it.
Key figures
- Range of KFC's apprenticeship programmes, from GCSE-equivalent to master's level
- Level 2 to 7
- Source: KFC UK (opens in a new tab)
- How often KFC reviews your Individual Development Plan
- Twice a year
- Source: KFC UK (opens in a new tab)
Overview
KFC has been running hospitality apprenticeships since 2012. They’re built around its jobs, so the idea is that you start in a restaurant and keep learning as you’re promoted.
The apprenticeship ladder
| Level | Roughly equal to | Who it’s for | What you learn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 (intermediate) | GCSEs | Team members, kitchen staff, customer service assistants | Food safety, customer service, equipment, hygiene |
| 3 (advanced) | A levels | Shift supervisors, team leaders | Team management, stock control, conflict resolution |
| 4 and 5 (higher) | Foundation degree or HND | Restaurant managers, area coaches | Finance, business strategy, leadership |
| 6 and 7 (degree) | Bachelor’s or master’s | Senior operations managers, area leaders | Strategic planning, multi-unit management, analytics |
Support as you go
Everyone at KFC gets an Individual Development Plan, which is reviewed twice a year to spot skills gaps and plan your next step. KFC also runs leadership programmes for people moving into management.
What they don’t tell you
KFC’s career development page doesn’t publish pay, lengths or entry requirements. Check each job advert carefully.
What they do
KFC runs fried chicken restaurants across the UK, with a restaurant support centre for head office teams.
Apprenticeships at KFC UK
-
Level 2 (intermediate)
Team members, kitchen staff and customer service assistants
Food safety, customer service, using equipment and hygiene standards.
-
Level 3 (advanced)
Shift supervisors and team leaders
Team management, stock control, conflict resolution and advanced customer service.
-
Levels 4 and 5 (higher)
Restaurant managers and area coaches
Financial management, business strategy, leadership and operations.
-
Levels 6 and 7 (degree)
Senior operations managers, area leaders and support centre roles
Strategic planning, multi-unit management, business analytics and innovation.
Pay calculator
Pick the pay, the city and your age to see roughly what you'd take home each month after tax, and what's left after travel and rent.
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Career areas
KFC UK entry requirements
We have not found entry requirements published in a form we can verify for this employer. They usually vary by programme, so check each role's details on the official site.
Who can apply
- Each programme is linked to a job at KFC, so you start with the apprenticeship that matches your role, usually as a team member.
Our tips for KFC UK
- KFC's apprenticeships are built around its jobs. You'd usually join as a team member on Level 2, then move up the levels as you're promoted.
- KFC says sideways moves can sometimes help you progress faster. Ask at interview what the typical route to shift supervisor looks like.
- Pay, hours and entry requirements aren't on KFC's career development page, so check each job advert.
- Compare KFC's ladder with other hospitality employers in our hospitality and food table.
Summary
- KFC has run hospitality apprenticeships since 2012.
- Its programmes go from Level 2 for team members up to Level 6 and 7 for senior managers.
- Each level is tied to a job, so you can start in a restaurant and work your way up to management.
- Pay and entry requirements aren't published on its career development page.
Questions about KFC UK apprenticeships
Does KFC do degree apprenticeships?
Yes, for senior managers. KFC's apprenticeships go up to Level 6 (bachelor's degree level) and Level 7 (master's degree level), so you can start at Level 2 in a restaurant and work your way up.
Does KFC do apprenticeships?
Yes. KFC has run hospitality apprenticeships since 2012, from Level 2 for team members and kitchen staff up to Level 6 and 7 programmes for senior managers.
What do you learn on a KFC Level 2 apprenticeship?
Food safety, customer service, how to use the equipment and hygiene standards. It's for team members, kitchen staff and customer service assistants.
Can you become a manager through a KFC apprenticeship?
Yes. KFC's Level 3 apprenticeship is for shift supervisors and team leaders, Levels 4 and 5 are for restaurant managers and area coaches, and Levels 6 and 7 are for senior managers. Our levels guide explains what each level means.
How much do KFC apprentices get paid?
KFC doesn't publish apprentice pay on its career development page. Check each job advert, and compare with the legal minimum in our apprentice pay guide.
Which other restaurant chains offer apprenticeships?
McDonald's, Greene King and Whitbread all run hospitality apprenticeships. Compare them in our hospitality and food table.
Sources and review
Last reviewed . Details can change after this date, so check the official source before you rely on them.