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- Tasks: Join our graduate scheme and gain hands-on experience in food and agriculture.
- Company: MDS is a leader in the food and fresh produce industry, offering exciting career opportunities.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, relocation allowance, mentoring, and a Level 5 qualification.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while fast-tracking your career in a dynamic and innovative environment.
- Qualifications: Open to driven graduates ready to step into leadership roles.
- Other info: Applications are open year-round; we review candidates on a rolling basis.
The predicted salary is between 26000 - 28000 £ per year.
Kick-start your career in the food and fresh produce industry with MDS. Applications now open for our Autumn 2025 intake.
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 a Level 5 Leadership and Management qualification, accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI)
- 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.
Graduate Scheme – Autumn 2025 employer: MDS
Contact Detail:
MDS Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Scheme – Autumn 2025
✨Tip Number 1
Research the food and fresh produce industry thoroughly. Understanding current trends, challenges, and innovations will not only help you in interviews but also show your genuine interest in the sector.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals already working in the industry. Attend relevant events or connect on platforms like LinkedIn to gain insights and potentially get referrals for the graduate scheme.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for situational interview questions by thinking of examples from your academic or work experience that demonstrate leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, as these are key qualities MDS is looking for.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on MDS and its member companies. Knowing their values, recent projects, and achievements can help you tailor your conversations and show that you're a great fit for their culture.
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Scheme – Autumn 2025
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Graduate Scheme. Understand the key responsibilities and the skills required, as this will help you tailor your application.
Craft a Tailored CV: Create a CV that highlights your relevant experiences, skills, and achievements related to leadership and management in the food and agriculture sectors. Use specific examples to demonstrate your capabilities.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should express your passion for the food and fresh produce industry and explain why you are a great fit for the MDS Graduate Scheme. Mention any relevant experiences and how they align with the programme's goals.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at MDS
✨Research the Company
Before your interview, make sure to thoroughly research MDS and its role in the food and fresh produce industry. Understand their values, mission, and recent projects. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in the company.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect to face behavioural questions that assess your leadership potential and problem-solving skills. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, providing clear examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your capabilities.
✨Show Enthusiasm for the Industry
Express your passion for the food and agriculture sectors during the interview. Discuss any relevant experiences or projects you've been involved in, and highlight why you're excited about the opportunity to contribute to MDS and its members.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare a few thoughtful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could include inquiries about the training process, the types of projects you might work on, or how MDS supports the career development of its graduates. This shows your engagement and eagerness to learn more.
