Taking MDS stateside: Huw’s secondment at Protolan

No two Trainee journeys are ever quite the same, and every so often an opportunity comes along that really shows just how varied the experience can be.

While on secondment with Protolan, Huw Tong had the chance to spend time working in the United States, supporting live projects across a range of manufacturing and client-facing workstreams. It’s a great example of what can happen when Trainees are embedded in Member organisations and fully part of the day-to-day business. These kinds of opportunities aren’t guaranteed, but they do come up depending on the role, the Member, and individual circumstances.

Huw gives an insight into his time in the US, the work he supported, and how it’s shaped his development.

How did the opportunity came about?

When I joined Protolan, I was asked what type of projects I’d be most interested in. I was particularly keen to get involved in US-based work, especially as I hold a US passport and was very open to travelling. I was aware that previous MDS trainees had supported US projects remotely, so having the opportunity to be on-site was something I was really keen to take advantage of.

What have you been working on in the US?

During my time in the US, I worked in a project management capacity across several workstreams (client details are confidential due to NDA).

In my first two months, I supported a feasibility study for a major expansion of one of the client’s largest manufacturing sites. This involved building project timelines, engaging contractors to obtain bids, and preparing steering packs for client meetings.

I was then moved onto a more urgent project with a six-week turnaround, focused on improving hygiene standards at one of the facilities. This was a fast-paced piece of work, where I was responsible for engaging contractors, defining requirements, and presenting proposals back to the client. I also became more involved in financial tracking, including raising purchase orders and managing the project cost tracker.

In my final months, I supported the early-stage implementation of a new production line. This involved significant scoping work and close collaboration with the client to develop and present the most suitable solution.

What have you learned from the experience?

One of the key things I’ve learned is the importance of strong project governance, from establishing clear communication channels between stakeholders to maintaining regular alignment with senior decision-makers.

The experience also reinforced how important adaptability is in project delivery. Even with strong planning in place, projects evolve quickly, so being able to respond to change while still delivering against objectives is critical.

Alongside this, I’ve developed my skills in communication, financial management, and project scheduling within a live manufacturing environment.

How has it helped shape your future plans?

The experience has reinforced my interest in working in fast-paced, client-facing roles, particularly those involving problem-solving, stakeholder management, and delivery responsibility.

While I’ve chosen to move into a Key Account Manager role after MDS, many of the skills I developed during my time with Protolan, particularly around communication, commercial awareness, and working with clients, are directly transferable.

It also gave me a real appreciation for working internationally, and I’d definitely be keen to explore opportunities to work in the US again in the future.

Huw’s story is a good reminder of the variety that can come with being a Trainee on the MDS programme. While opportunities like international travel aren’t something we can promise, they do show what can happen when Trainees are open to embracing the opportunities that come their way during their secondments.

From building core project management skills to gaining exposure to international operations, experiences like this can have a real impact on both confidence and career direction.

We’ll continue to share more Trainee stories like this over the coming months, showing the different paths people take and the range of opportunities available across the programme.