MDS has developed a new 3-year Training Programme for graduates and has partnered 3 new members (Syngenta, AICC and PGRO) to provide a bespoke management training programme for graduates wishing to become crop agronomy advisors and researchers within the industry.

The new programme is in response to a huge shortage of graduates with agronomy skills and the demand for developing a clear career path and training programme to attract people to the industry.

The Training:

• The first 2 years combine practical experience with ‘off-the-job’ training which leads to a PgC in Food and Fresh Produce Management.
• The secondments are positions of genuine management responsibility. A work placement in which the trainee is expected to play a full part in the day-to-day running of the business, with the support and co-operation of those around them.
• For trainees wishing to specialise in agronomy in the third year, the first 2 years contain a higher degree of field based experience (at least 1 year).
• The third year allows trainees to take BASIS and FACTS courses specialising in arable and combinable crops along with specific secondments and training in agronomy and crop base studies.

Third Year Course:

The third year allows all trainees to cover:

• Two six-month secondments which could be based at agrochemical, plant breeding, plant research or crop consultant members.
• Concise BASIS (which covers arable and combinable vegetable crops). The BASIS course is split up into three 5-day modules in December / March / July.
• FACTS course comprises of a 5-day course which runs throughout the year but would be completed after the BASIS course.
• Together totalling 20 days including exams.

The Benefits:

• Along with the costs of the training (which equates to approx. £10,000) - trainees are paid a competitive salary.
• Excellent career prospects
• Fully mentored programme
• Post MDS salary expectations over £25,000

What is MDS looking for?

• Open to graduates from across specific degree disciplines - especially science, land-based and food related.
• People who are highly motivated and keen to succeed in the arable, fresh food and produce industries.
• Able to handle the demands of many different stakeholders and the high expectations of product quality and service.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, clear thinker and problem solver.
• Likes to be outdoors.

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, good people skills as well as an aptitude for translating science into practice. You should have a desire to succeed, be self-motivated and able to learn from mistakes.

There is nothing standard about MDS’s member companies, their products, customers or suppliers.