Behind the Secondment: Andrew’s Experience at Chemetall

Every secondment on the MDS Graduate Scheme offers the chance to experience a different business, develop new skills and gain insight into another part of the food and agriculture supply chain. 

Andrew Sharman is currently on secondment with Chemetall UK Ltd, where he has been gaining experience across marketing and business improvement activities while learning more about the role specialist surface treatment technologies play in manufacturing. 

“Prior to joining Chemetall, I had little appreciation of the level of science, engineering and innovation involved before a product is painted, coated, or assembled.” 

One of Andrew’s current projects focuses on strengthening Chemetall’s approach to industry intelligence. His work involves identifying relevant industry associations, trade bodies and events, while exploring ways to capture valuable market insight more consistently across the business. The project will help support marketing and business planning by improving understanding of customer needs, emerging trends and future opportunities. 

Working across different teams has also given Andrew an insight into how a highly technical business operates. Collaborating with colleagues from sales, customer service, technical, supply chain and quality has broadened his understanding of the different functions that contribute to delivering value for customers. 

Joining Chemetall during its transition from BASF Coatings to Surventis also provided the opportunity to experience organisational change first-hand, seeing how the business continued to adapt while supporting both customers and employees. 

Looking back on his secondment so far, Andrew says “The variety, pace, and structure of experiences I have had at Chemetall has allowed me to develop both my technical understanding and my commercial awareness, which is one of the things I value most about the MDS programme.” 

Andrew’s story demonstrates how every MDS secondment offers something different. Whether it’s working on strategic projects, gaining insight into specialist industries or learning from experienced colleagues, each placement provides the opportunity to build new skills and develop a broader understanding of the food and agriculture supply chain. 

Interested in gaining hands-on industry experience and developing your career through the MDS Graduate Scheme? Find out more about the programme and the opportunities available.