These are some of the questions most frequently asked when we visit exhibitions or careers fairs around the country. The answers are contained within the website, but to save a bit of time, we reproduce them here.
Q Can I choose my secondments?
A The short answer is no, as the purpose of MDS Ltd is to provide the widest possible opportunity to manage a variety of commercial situations and meet pre-set objectives. In reality, you would be consulted about location and type of job, but the decision is ultimately made by MDS Ltd.
Q Can I change my secondment if I don't like it once I have started?
A It would be very unusual to change mid-way through a placement. The aim is to provide a broad managerial experience, and that includes learning how to get results in challenging and sometimes difficult circumstances.
Q Do I get paid?
A Yes. MDS Ltd Management Trainees receive a salary of £19,000 in the first year, rising to £20,250 in year two. In addition, it is worth noting that the MDS Ltd training programme represents an investment of approximately £7,000 per person over the two-year period. On completion, as you move into a permanent post, you should be capable of achieving a position paying at least £25,000, and often much more.
Q How much notice do I get of my next secondment?
A We try to give as much notice as possible of when and where your next secondment will be. Occasionally, you may have only a couple of weeks to prepare, and arrange accommodation. In such a case, member companies will often help the transition by providing some initial bed and breakfast accommodation until you find your feet.
Q Who usually finds the accommodation while I am away?
A It is up to you to find accommodation for each secondment, but there is often help available from the member company or other Management Trainees who may have worked in that area. You are responsible for the costs of your accommodation. Some member companies have houses or rooms available at a favourable rent.
Q What support is available from MDS Ltd and member companies?
A The MDS Ltd management team keeps in regular contact throughout the two years, including at least one visit during each secondment. Additional day-to-day support is provided through a secondment manager within the member company as well as an informal network of other MDS Ltd Management Trainees based locally. It's there if you need it - you only have to ask!
Q Am I guaranteed a job when I finish MDS Ltd?
A There are no absolute guarantees, but within the last five years virtually all our successful Management Trainees have progressed on to the kind of jobs they aspired to at the start. It is fair to say that for many of them, their aspirations on leaving university alter dramatically, once they realise what they are capable of in terms of managerial responsibility. They often surprise themselves at the quality of their first full-time post, as potential employers have confidence in their ability and knowledge of the industry achieved through the MDS Ltd graduate management programme.
Q Is there a deadline for applications to the programme?
A We welcome applications at any time, and interview for positions throughout the year. Start dates are spring or autumn each year, and we can sometimes defer entry for graduates who would like to travel or take some time out.
Q What is the holiday entitlement?
A You are entitled to 28 days holiday per year including bank holidays.
Q What hours can I expect to work?
A Hours of work depend on your secondment responsibilities, but in practice, Management Trainees often work a six-day week. Supplying supermarkets is a 24-hour operation, 365-days a year and working patterns tend to reflect this.
Q What will MDS Ltd give me that a full-time job in one company would not?
A Some people are more confident about learning within one organisation but for others, the challenge of learning to manage and get good results in a commercial environment is best-achieved by putting their skills to the test in a variety of settings. In this way, they are faced with different people, cultures, products and systems - all within two years. MDS Ltd gives you the chance to learn management skills quickly and to test them out in four different jobs and four different companies.
Q How good is the 'off-job' training?
A 'Second to none' may be a cliche but we have many testimonials to this effect. The one thing we can guarantee is that the programme will feel very different from university lectures - it's also great fun!
Q Do I get a recognised qualification?
A Please see the Postgraduate Certificate section
Q What does MDS Ltd look for when selecting Management Trainees?
A Evidence of personal qualities... an understanding of the meaning of 'taking responsibility', a willingness to learn from your own actions and mistakes and an ability to initiate not just imitate and improve. Your style of management will respect the contribution of those around you, and you will be realistic in setting goals and targets, for yourself and others, and able to meet them (or understand why not).
Q How do I apply?
A Click on the section 'Apply online' and complete our online application form. If you are unable to complete the form online, please e-mail your name and address and a form will be sent to you.
If you still have any gaps, or unanswered questions please email us at info@mds-ltd.co.uk
