Published Tuesday, 24 January 2012
The company aims to give 30% of the positions to first-time workers, and around half for those under the age of 25.
McDonald's has 26 restaurants and currently employs over 1,900 people in the region.
Joanne Jones, McDonald's Director of Franchising in NI said the company wants to help young people in a tough job market.
"As a business our emphasis on high quality, good value food has meant that we are able to continue to invest in the business and our people.
"We have a fantastic education programme in place that we have worked hard to build in the last five years, meaning that all of our people have the chance to learn whilst they earn.
"Gaining nationally recognised qualifications such as an apprenticeship whilst getting experience in the world of work means that we can give young people a good grounding whether they stay and progress through the company or move on elsewhere."
Across the UK, McDonalds said it will create 2,500 jobs in 2012, taking their workforce to 90,000. The positions will be created by new restaurants and extended opening hours, major refurbishment of properties and new menu options.
Prime Minister David Cameron also praised the news, stating, "I am delighted to welcome McDonald's announcement of new jobs.
"McDonald's has a great record in investing in the UK and providing excellent training, apprenticeships and opportunities for its staff."
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg added the announcement was "fantastic news".
"McDonald's has an excellent reputation for developing its staff with training and apprenticeship programmes. This invests valuable time and resources to help young people, with little or no experience in the world of work, to develop their skills and confidence.
"In the end, that gives young people a terrific opportunity to move up within the company, or use their experience and training to move into other jobs," he said.
McDonald's has awarded almost 35,000 qualifications from maths and English certificates to Foundation Degrees in the past five years.
It will build on this figure significantly in 2012 to support the growing number of employees who choose to study whilst working at McDonald's.