#MDSFutures

Orla Matthews is in her final few months on the 2-year MDS graduate programme. She has demonstrated a true passion for the industry and made the most out of her time on MDS through facilitating Trainee development opportunities, travelling to Switzerland for a secondment and representing MDS at industry events. She has left a lasting impact at the Member organisations she has been seconded to.

Emma is in her last few months in the Retail Assistant role at Greencell, a fresh produce supplier based in Kent. In Emma's secondment role she has been able to take real responsibility and discover her potential in the food and fresh produce industry. Take a look at her blog to find out more about the fresh produce supplier and some of the best parts of the role.

Engineering is a crucial to food production. On MDS we recruit Trainees from a huge range of degree categories. Here’s how group 48 Trainee, Ivan Erviti, utilised the skills he developed on his Engineering degree while on the MDS grad-scheme.

The Doug Henderson Development Award honours Trainees who are willing to go beyond expectations to demonstrate success. The award is highly respected within the wider industry, highlighted by the winners' current roles.

Engineering is crucial to food production. On the MDS grad scheme you will get the opportunity to experience a range of roles, regardless of your degree or experience. Here’s how Trainee Jordan has utilised the skills he developed on his Chemical Engineering degree while on the MDS grad scheme.

Ivan Erviti answers our questions on life as an MDS Trainee and where he sees his future leading as a Food Engineer.

Group 48 Trainee Shahrukh Farrakh has been on the MDS graduate scheme for 6 months where he has been able to experience 2 very different, challenging roles. Take a look at his vlog to find out what he had to say about his learnings, the challenging elements of the scheme and his proudest moments.

Group 47 Trainee, Emma has been on the MDS graduate scheme for over a year and is currently seconded at fruit and veg supplier Greencell, in a commercial role. To celebrate 1-year on the MDS graduate scheme, and reaching the halfway point, Emma reflected on her experience so far.

There’s a vast support network of Trainees on the MDS graduate scheme. The MDS Trainees in Action group (TAG) is run by Trainees for Trainees. The group offer a range of support via social events, professional development opportunities and online meet ups.

You don’t have to study agriculture or have experience in fresh produce to apply to the MDS graduate scheme! Here’s how group 49 Trainee, Sophie Reay utilised the skills she developed on her Psychology degree.

You don’t have to study agriculture or have experience in fresh produce to apply to the MDS graduate scheme! Here’s how group 46 Trainee, Weronika Pawlowska utilised the skills she developed on her Psychology degree.

James is from Harlow, Essex and studied at Writtle University College. He joined MDS in 2020 and is currently seconded at ISS as a Production support Manager. His first secondment was with Finsbury Foods as a Process Blueprint Project Coordinator, and in his next role James will be working at Protolan in Business Development and Marketing.

Interested in taking on the MDS challenge and starting your career in an exciting, fast-paced industry? Group 48 Trainee Shahrukh Farrakh explains how to make the most out of your MDS virtual interview/assessment. Remember to consider whether the scheme is really for you and whether you are up for the challenge before applying!

Interested in taking on the MDS challenge and starting your career in an exciting, fast-paced industry? Group 47 Trainee Emma Howes explains how to make the most out of your MDS application. Remember to consider whether the scheme is really for you and whether you are up for the challenge before applying!

Celia is from Spain and studied at Glasgow University. She joined MDS in 2019 and is currently on her final secondment at Syngenta Jealott’s Hill in Agile delivery. Her first secondment was with Accent Fresh as an afternoon shift supervisor in the operations department, followed by six months with Scottish Agronomy in communications.

To celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we interviewed Ffion, a next-gen #FemaleFoodHero on her experience as a science graduate on the MDS scheme.

To celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we interviewed Ishese, a next-gen #FemaleFoodHero on her experience as a science graduate on the MDS scheme.

How does your degree transfer to the food and fresh produce industry? The MDS Pathways series will interview Trainees from a range of academic disciplines to demonstrate that ambitious #futurefoodheroes can come from all subjects. To celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we interviewed Celia, a next-gen #FemaleFoodHero on her experience on MDS as a science graduate.

Trainee Jack reflects on starting his MDS journey under lockdown.

Trainee Emma talks about starting her MDS journey and her hopes for the future.

Trainee Celia Robles Angel talks about her experiences at Scottish Agronomy with a video documenting her time there.

Alexandros talks about his time on MDS and where he hopes to go in the future.

Rebecca Charnley completed MDS in 2012 and is now working for an MDS Member.

Meet John. He's into all things food and fitness. He's also just started his third MDS secondment. Find out what he's been getting up to recently here.

Hannah Finch has just finihed MDS. Find out what her experience has been in this video.

Fernando is about to start his first role post-MDS as

Ellie is in her first secondment at Frank Roberts and Sons Bakery. Here she tells us how it's going so far.

Jonathan is a history graduate currently in his fourth secondment on MDS

Will is currently in his 4th secondment and about to finish MDS. Here he reflects on his experience so far.

Jo Cutler completed MDS in 2016 and now works at the Co-op. Read more about his story here.

Video from James Neilson who completed the scheme in 2006.

Leyla Page, in her third secondment at Langmead Herbs, spoke to The Grocer about her experience in the food industry and on MDS.

Environmental Science grad Sam answers some questions about the scheme

From geography graduate to MDS trainee..

Rob studied Business and Economics and is now completing MDS.

What career paths are possible after MDS? Alumni Alex Ouvry shares his experience.

Find out what MDS Trainee Louise thinks of the scheme.

Sophie tells us about her MDS experience so far.

MDS trainee Rory Craig tells us about his MDS experience to date.

Ryan Douglas, Biological Sciences graduate, tells us why and how he ended up pursuing a career in the food & fresh produce industry.

Our trainees sum up what MDS means to them in just one word.

Sophie B answers some questions about her experiences as an MDS trainee.