HE MAY be serving Big Macs, but a young apprentice is hoping to become a big cheese in the burger industry and has his sights set on running his own fast food restaurant.

Jamie Debenham is a crew trainer at McDonald's in the Westway Cross Shopping Centre, in Greenford Road, Greenford.

As well as manning the drive-through window, he teaches new staff the ropes and keeps an eye out to make sure the rules are followed.

The 19-year-old, of Legion Road, Greenford, fell into the job after previous career plans did not work out, but discovered it was perfect for him.

The former Northolt High School pupil started at McDonald's in October 2007 and has been a crew trainer for about three months.

He said: "I started work at a hotel when I left school, but I didn't get the training I needed there.

"When I left that job my mum said go to college or get a job. I preferred to learn while earning some money."

It may not be the most glamorous job in the world but Jamie soon found he enjoyed it and plans to climb the ranks.

He has now completed a level two National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) in hospitality and will soon start more advanced studies.

He added: "I really like all the people who work with me. There are a lot of young people, which is one of the reasons the social side is so good.

"And I enjoy talking to the customers. You get regulars who get to know you.

"I've learned a lot about the industry here. I think the best thing I was taught was about energy and how to save it. I learned about the impact recycling has on the environment and how much is saved by leaving electronic equipment on standby, things like that.

"I can go on to becoming a shift manager and one day I'd like to be the business manager, the manager of the whole Greenford store."