Government regulator the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority said the fast-food chain had been granted approval to develop courses and set exams up to the standard of A-levels - the final exams taken by high school students that determine college and university admission.

Rail infrastructure firm Network Rail Ltd. and regional airline Flybe Ltd have also been given the power to award their own qualifications. It is the first time the government has granted national recognition to corporate training schemes.

McDonald's said it was introducing a 'basic shift manager' course, designed to train staff in skills needed to run a McDonald's outlet, from marketing to human resources and customer service skills.

'It is right that we recognise and accredit employers that have shown a commitment to training and developing their staff,' said skills minister John Denham.

'This is an important step towards ending the old divisions between company training schemes and national qualifications, something that will benefit employees, employers and the country as a whole.'

Universities and colleges will have to decide whether to accept the corporate qualifications as grounds for admission. -- AP