Graduate Management Trainees are employed by Management Development Services Ltd (MDS Ltd) for two years. During that time, they gain managerial experience through a series of secondments in four member companies supplying major retailers and other outlets with a wide range of fresh produce from the UK and overseas.

The secondments are real jobs involving a high level of responsibility and decision-making. The fresh produce supply chain has many elements and Management Trainees experience a diversity of roles, in a variety of business environments to reinforce and develop their management potential. For examples, please see our recent leavers' profiles.

Progress while on secondment is monitored by a designated secondment manager within the member company who takes joint responsibility with MDS Ltd for your personal and professional development. This close liaison ensures a realistic understanding of your strengths and those areas which may need attention.

Secondments can be anywhere within the UK membership, with some positions available overseas, so you should be willing and able to travel. These work placements usually run from April/May to October/November, and from October/November to April/May, depending upon harvest and production schedules and other business needs.

They are designed to provide an overview of the whole supply chain and deliver an increasing level of responsibility, in line with the MDS Ltd commitment to graduate development.