Meet the Trainee: Alexandros

Meet the Trainee: Alexandros


  • Degree/uni: Biotechnology at Agricultural University of Athens, Meteorology at Hellenic National Meteorological Service
  • Fun fact about you: I love aeroplanes, hence why I chose to do a second degree in Meteorology, and worked in various airports in Greece for a year.

Why did you join MDS

My dream is to create an efficient way of managing food waste and form a community that shares the same passion to change the way the fresh food industry is dealing with waste at the present.

What have your secondments involved

My first secondment was at Maelor in North Wales and the role was Vegetative Propagation Assistant. I learnt how to plan ahead and manage teams of between 20-30 people effectively.

My second secondment was with Fyffes in Coventry. The roles were Team Leader (3 months) and Production Controller (3 months). In the first 3 months I learnt how to operate in a warehouse managing teams of 15-20 people and then more than 150 people in my other role.

My current role is Marketing and Technical trainee at Certis UK in Cambridge. I have learnt the mindset to work efficiently, organise and prioritise tasks, as well as communicate efficiently internally and externally.

I will be starting my final secondment with James Hutton Ltd in October in Dundee and the role will be Marketing and Business Development Associate.

What have you learnt about the food and fresh produce industry

DREAM BIG; yes it’s hard to change the world but hard work is the key to getting closer to your goal.

Highlights/challenges

  • Highlights: Making new friends at MDS and great networking, both essential for my first career steps in the industry.
  • Challenges: Moving every 6 months; moving house, new role, environment and colleagues etc.

Hopes for next secondment

I hope to be able to use my creativity and help my colleagues achieve their goals and set new targets at higher standards.

Future plans

After MDS I am planning on joining a marketing/commercial team within the fresh food industry in order to further deepen my understanding of the sector while trying to create a better world for everyone.