At a Glance
- Tasks: Kick-start your career in food and agriculture with hands-on experience across leading businesses.
- Company: Join MDS, a leader in the food and fresh produce industry.
- Benefits: Earn £26,000 in year one, rising to £28,000 in year two, plus relocation allowance.
- Other info: 100% of trainees receive job offers upon completing the programme.
- Why this job: Fast-track your leadership journey while making a real impact in the industry.
- Qualifications: Driven graduates ready for real-world roles in food and agriculture.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
Kick-start your career in the food and fresh produce industry with MDS.
Looking for a fast-track route into leadership and management? The MDS graduate scheme offers driven graduates the opportunity to step straight into real-world roles across the food, fresh produce, agriculture and horticulture sectors. From day one, you’ll receive structured training, a full salary and expert guidance from our team, empowering you to take charge of your success.
Over two years, you’ll work in up to four secondments (each lasting 6-12 months) within some of the UK’s leading food and agriculture businesses - our Members. These secondments will give you hands-on experience across a variety of disciplines; you might find yourself coordinating a harvest with a major grower in one secondment, and then leading a business-critical project with a national retailer in the next.
Wherever you go, you’ll be making a real impact - our Trainees are known for delivering results and driving innovation.
Why choose MDS?
- Gain an industry-specific leadership qualification tailored to the food and agriculture sector
- Be employed by MDS, with a salary of £26,000 in year one, rising to £28,000 in year two
- Relocation allowance of up to £1000 per year
- Benefit from mentoring and coaching to help you reach your full potential
- Join a network of over 500 MDS alumni, many now in senior roles across the industry
- Benefit from excellent career prospects - 100% of trainees to date have received a job offer upon completing the programme
Ready to apply?
MDS recruits over 60 graduates each year, with programme intakes in April and October. Applications are open year-round via our website, and we review candidates on a rolling basis.
Food and Agriculture Graduate Scheme Spring 2027 employer: MDS
MDS is an exceptional employer for graduates looking to launch their careers in the food and fresh produce industry. With a structured graduate scheme that offers hands-on experience across leading businesses, competitive salaries, and a Level 5 Leadership and Management qualification, MDS fosters a supportive work culture focused on employee growth and innovation. The opportunity to connect with a vast network of alumni and receive tailored mentoring ensures that you will thrive in your professional journey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Food and Agriculture Graduate Scheme Spring 2027
✨Connect with Local Farms and Communities
Get your hands dirty by connecting with local farms and agricultural co-operatives. Many farms look for trainees, especially during peak seasons, so don’t hesitate to reach out directly or attend local agricultural fairs where you can meet farmers and learn about potential opportunities.
✨Join Agronomy or Farming Groups
Dive into online communities or local meetups focused on agriculture. Join Facebook groups, LinkedIn networks, or relevant forums where both new and experienced agricultural professionals hang out. It’s a fantastic way to learn from others and keep an ear out for trainee openings that might not be widely advertised.
✨Volunteer for Agricultural Projects
Consider volunteering for agricultural initiatives or research projects. This not only gives you hands-on experience but also connects you with industry professionals who can vouch for your commitment and skills when trainee positions crop up.
✨Don’t Sleep on Job Portals and Local Advertisements
Keep an eye on job portals and local newspapers for trainee positions in agriculture. Sometimes, the best opportunities are listed in local ads or e-newsletters from agricultural societies. And of course, don’t forget to apply directly through our website for any roles that spark your interest!
We think you need these skills to ace Food and Agriculture Graduate Scheme Spring 2027
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Agriculture:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for agriculture shine through! Talk about why you’re interested in this industry and what excites you about becoming a trainee at MDS. Whether it's a project you've done or a field experience, showing passion can really set you apart from the crowd.
Highlight Relevant Coursework and Projects:Since you're applying for a trainee position, it's crucial to feature any relevant coursework or projects on your CV. If you've taken subjects related to crop science, animal husbandry, or sustainable farming practices, be sure to mention them. This will show that you've got the foundational knowledge needed to succeed at MDS.
Research the Company’s Values:Learn about MDS and its values — maybe they focus on sustainable practices or innovation in agriculture. Weave this knowledge into your application, especially in your cover letter, to demonstrate that you’re not just looking for any role, but this role with them. It shows you’re truly interested and can help you connect your own values with theirs.
Keep It Informal and Accessible:As a trainee, employers at MDS will be looking for potential and eagerness to learn rather than a pristine record. Use a friendly tone in your application, showing your personality! Be sure to share any hands-on experiences, even if they were just side projects or volunteering, to showcase your willingness to dive into the work.
How to prepare for a job interview at MDS
✨Brush Up on Your Agricultural Knowledge
Make sure you're familiar with current trends in agriculture, including sustainable practices and the latest technologies like precision farming. Knowing about these topics will show MDS that you’re genuinely interested in the field and ready to learn.
✨Hands-On Skills Matter
Since it’s a trainee role, they might ask you about any practical experience you’ve had in farming or agricultural projects. If you've worked on a farm, even just a summer job, be ready to highlight what you did, any specific techniques you learned, and how it shaped your interest in agriculture.
✨Show Your Passion for Learning
As a trainee, your eagerness to learn will be a big selling point. Think about what excites you about the agricultural industry and how being part of MDS could help you grow. Be prepared to share your career aspirations in this context.
✨Expect Behavioural Questions
Prepare for some good old behavioural interview questions focusing on teamwork and problem-solving, which are vital in agriculture. Think of scenarios where you’ve worked collaboratively, demonstrated resilience, or dealt with challenges in fieldwork or group projects.
