The Accredited two-year programme revolves around four secondments of about six months each, combined with off-the-job learning from external tutors, many of whom are industry experts. In this way, every Management Trainee gains as wide an experience as possible.

Management Trainees are paid a salary of £19,000 in their first year, rising to £20,250 in year two. Post-MDS Ltd, successful Trainees have a record of achieving 100% employment; in recent years, up to 85% of leavers have joined member companies. Management Trainees can expect to apply for a position with responsibilities and a salary from £25,000 upwards.

Key Elements:

Management Development Services Ltd (MDS Ltd) is the only Harper Adams accredited postgraduate management scheme which offers four different jobs in four different companies (see secondments).

The programme is open to graduates of all degree disciplines, and MDS Ltd is particularly interested in land-based, food related, life sciences, business management, marketing and languages graduates.

Candidates must show a practical, hands-on approach to management and an ability to work with, and through, others. As well as being open to change, keen to accept demanding roles and be responsible for their own learning.

Our two-year Graduate Development Training Programme combines this practical experience with 'off-the-job' learning, combined with working towards a Postgraduate Certificate in Food and Fresh Produce Management (see management training and Postgraduate Certificate).

We offer two intakes a year in April/May and October/November. Applications are considered throughout the year and it is sometimes possible to defer entry if you are thinking of taking a break after university.

Who Can Apply?

MDS Ltd is open to graduates across all disciplines especially land based, food related, business management, life sciences and language graduates.

More important are personal qualities combined with a realistic appreciation of what is involved in the fresh food and produce industry: long hours at times, a need to handle the demands of many different stakeholders and the high expectations of product quality and service.

MDS Ltd operates a rigorous selection procedure and those who are offered a place will already show a level of business awareness, a 'hands-on' approach to getting things done and good people skills.

You should have a desire to succeed, be self-motivated and able to learn from mistakes.

We want someone who:

• understands what 'taking responsibility' really means
• is able to initiate as well as imitate and improve
• has a management style which respects the views of others
• is realistic in setting and achieving goals and targets, for themselves and others
• likes to get results with and through other people
• is sensitive in gauging a situation
• is a clear thinker and problem solver
• is innovative, using their own or the ideas of others
• recognises the need for their own and others' learning within a fast-moving business
• will contribute positively and pro-actively to new and changing situations

In short, someone who is not afraid to take a risk! Where there is risk there is also reward.

Having to balance the forces of nature with tight financial margins will test your spirit of adventure. There is nothing standard about our products, customers or suppliers. If you are looking for stability and predictability, then MDS Ltd is not for you.