About us:
MDS is the UK’s foremost provider of management training for the food industry. Founded in 1986 as a not-for-profit membership organisation, we create a pipeline of well trained, capable leaders to work in all aspects of the food supply chain.
Mission Statement:
To provide a continual supply of well-trained, capable managers to member businesses in the food and fresh produce industry, by selecting people with the potential to become senior leaders and providing them with the experience, training and mindset to succeed.
Core Values:
MDS Provides a variety of roles that allows trainees to explore their strengths, motivation and ideal fit without making a long-term commitment to one role or business.
Trainees develop their leadership skills in roles with real responsibility in several different companies during the two-year programme.
Throughout the programme, you will also be supported with mentoring to help you reach your potential.
Programmes Available:
MDS Ltd Graduate Scheme
The MDS graduate scheme is like no other. Designed for university leavers with leadership potential, it challenges from the start. Trainees develop their leadership skills in roles with real responsibility in several different companies during the two-year programme. At the same time, you will work towards a Level 5 Leadership and Management qualification, Operations and Departmental Manager, accredited by the Chartered Management Institute.
MDS members represent all aspects of the food, fresh produce, horticulture and agriculture supply chain, from growers to supermarkets. During your two years at MDS, you will undertake at least three placements of 6 – 12 months in member companies, giving you the broadest possible opportunity and experience. This allows you to explore your strengths, motivation and ideal fit without making a long-term commitment to one role or business.
You will be given time off by your placement to attend the modular training necessary to achieve our formal leadership qualification specific to the food industry. Throughout the programme, you will also be supported with mentoring to help you reach your potential.
As our members are based around the UK (and some overseas) you should expect to relocate for each new placement. The roles available cover the full range of disciplines, from marketing to engineering, operations to HR, logistics to business planning. You may find you spend six months running a project in a food processing plant and then move to a fruit farm to supervise a team of pickers. What you can be sure of is that whichever roles you undertake, you will be expected to deliver results: MDS trainees have a reputation for achieving objectives through creative problem-solving.
Qualifications:
Qualification in Leadership and Management approved by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) – This is the equivalent of a foundation degree – This is about practical skills in leadership within an operational environment. Essential for working in the industry. This qualification demonstrates that you know the theory and can apply it in practical situations.
Benefits:
- Relocation allowance
- Chartered Management Institute approved qualification
- Dedicated mentoring
- 28 days holiday
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Interest free starter loan
Progression Routes:
How you will be supported:
The MDS People Development Team – Our experienced team will work with you to support you in all aspects of the scheme, developing you through reviews and observations to become strong leaders.
Your Cohort- We encourage our trainees to make connections with fellow trainees who can also offer advice and experience.
The Apprenticeship College- Will support the academic side of the scheme.
Your secondment manager- In each role you will be assigned a secondment manager to support with your work role.
Be Inspired: Life at MDS
