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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 with rolling reviews; join a network of over 500 alumni.
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 Spring 2026 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 - Spring 2026 employer: MDS
Contact Detail:
MDS Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Scheme - Spring 2026
✨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 that could boost your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for situational interview questions by thinking of examples from your past experiences that demonstrate leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. This will help you articulate your fit for the programme.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on MDS and its members. Knowing about their recent projects or initiatives can give you an edge during interviews, as it shows your enthusiasm and commitment to being part of their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Scheme - Spring 2026
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: Highlight relevant experiences in your CV that align with the food and fresh produce industry. Focus on leadership roles, teamwork, and any projects that demonstrate your ability to drive results and innovation.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the food and agriculture sectors. Mention why you are interested in MDS specifically and how the graduate scheme aligns with your career goals. Be sure to showcase your enthusiasm and readiness to take on challenges.
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, which are crucial in leadership roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at MDS
✨Research the Company
Before your interview, take some time to learn about MDS and its role in the food and fresh produce industry. Understanding their values, mission, and recent projects will help you tailor your answers and show genuine interest.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and teamwork abilities. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, highlighting relevant experiences from your studies or previous roles.
✨Show Enthusiasm for the Industry
Demonstrate your passion for the food and agriculture sectors during the interview. Discuss any relevant coursework, internships, or personal projects that showcase your commitment and interest in making an impact in this field.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask your interviewers about the graduate scheme and the company culture. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you determine if MDS is the right fit for you.
