Yum! Brands celebrates the power of skills to feed brighter futures

In 2014, a Sri Lankan delegate proposed dedicating a day for developing vocational skills for the world’s youth to the United Nations General Assembly. It was eventually passed and is celebrated annually on July 15.

In that same nation, Pizza Hut’s Youth Enablement Program (YEP) provides youth and people with disabilities with professional development, vocational education and industry-recognized credentials that prepare participants for careers in the quick-service restaurant industry. By reducing barriers to transportation and housing costs, the program helps participants successfully transition from training to employment, with nearly all graduates securing jobs after earning their certification.

YEP is just one of the ways parent company Yum! Brands is feeding the futures of the next generation.

Building pathways to employment

For many young people, their biggest challenge isn't ambition; it's access to opportunities. Across its global system, Yum! Brands is helping bridge that gap through Food & Futures, its community impact strategy. By investing in programs that build practical workplace skills, leadership capabilities and real-world experience, the company is helping young people prepare for meaningful careers while strengthening the communities it serves.

One example is in the United Kingdom, where KFC’s Hatch program helps young people build workplace skills, grow their confidence and train for their first job through paid work experience. Delivered in partnership with the KFC Youth Foundation, the program provides access to a dedicated youth worker, employability training and support in entering the world of work.

For participant Zee, Hatch helped turn months of unsuccessful job searching into a role with KFC and has since advanced to team leader.

"Through Hatch, I learned teamwork, communication skills and how to understand people and deal with problems,” Zee said. “Now as a team leader, I have added responsibility and am learning how to handle more heightened situations."

Building confidence through new experiences

Developing skills isn't only about preparing for work. It's also about giving young people the chance to discover new interests, express themselves and build confidence.

In Thailand, KFC's Bucket Search program helps youth who did not complete high school  reconnect with education while developing workforce-ready skills and exploring future career pathways. Through a partnership with WAVS by Warner Music Thailand, participants also create and perform original music, serving as a creative outlet and communication skills builder.

In partnership with the California Restaurant Foundation and Arizona Restaurant Association, Habit Burger & Grill is investing in future talent through ProStart. Together, they provide high school students with mentorship from Habit chefs, hands-on culinary and restaurant management experiences, and opportunities to develop technical, leadership and teamwork skills while connecting with industry professionals and competing for scholarships to support their future careers.

Jenna Barada earned top honors at this year's CA ProStart Cup. As part of her award, Barada spent a day in Habit’s Innovation Kitchen, where she experienced how new menu ideas are developed.

Developing tomorrow's leaders

Building skills early also creates opportunities that extend well beyond a first job.

Through the Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence at the University of Louisville, students from any academic discipline can earn an undergraduate certificate in Franchise Management, developing practical business, leadership and entrepreneurial skills while gaining real-world insights into one of the world's most successful business models.

The Taco Bell Foundation's Community Grants program also supports nonprofit organizations that help young people build academic, financial and career readiness skills. Family & Consumer Science teacher Kris Campion, who received a recent grant to purchase updated culinary equipment and classroom resources, said, "Having modern, efficient appliances allows students to safely learn essential culinary techniques, practice food safety and build confidence in the kitchen. It also increases efficiency in our classroom, so we can expand the skills students are able to master."

Investing in youth skills every day

This World Youth Skills Day, Yum! is proud to celebrate the franchisees, nonprofit partners, restaurant team members and youth who are expanding opportunities and building brighter futures. While this work takes place daily, it’s important to devote a day to its recognition because its impact can last a lifetime.