MDS Ltd graduates leave with in-depth, hands on management ability in the whole fresh produce supply chain, which prepares them for a variety of jobs. Member companies are kept informed of Management Trainees' aspirations and while there is no absolute guarantee of a job, Management Trainees are much sought-after.

Successful MDS Ltd graduates are well-placed to apply for positions of much greater responsibility and salary than they might otherwise have expected at their age.

Over 85 per cent of those completing the programme progress to a key position within the membership, the remainder getting jobs elsewhere in the industry.

Those who successfully complete the programme should have the following skills:

Self Management -

• Awareness of personal strengths and areas which may need further development
• Knowledge of how you are perceived by others
• Ability to improve personal effectiveness

People Management -

• Able to recognise and meet the needs of staff and customers
• Able to apply effective techniques for motivating people
• Achieve required standards of performance and results

Business Management -

• Understanding of different business cultures and management styles, and an ability to be effective in each
• Sound understanding of the principles of good business practice, and be capable of applying them appropriately
• Capable of managing many different priorities at once