MDS Named One of the UK’s Top Apprenticeship Employers 2025
We’re delighted to share that MDS has been named the third best SME apprenticeship employer in the UK for 2025!
The Top 50 SME Apprenticeship Employers rankings are run by the Department for Education in partnership with RateMyApprenticeship. They highlight the employers making a real difference to the lives of apprentices, and we’re proud to be recognised alongside some brilliant organisations.
Why this award matters
This recognition is based on a mix of apprentice feedback, programme impact, intake numbers and diversity, making it a real reflection of the positive experience our Trainees have on the programme.
The rankings combine insights from both the public and private sectors and are designed to spotlight employers who are doing apprenticeships right. To be placed in the top three nationally is something we’re incredibly proud of.
A shared success
They say it takes a village, and this award is no exception. From our Trainees and Members to our training providers and support team, every person who contributes to the programme has played a part in this achievement.
We’ve always believed in the power of hands-on experience, and in giving early-career professionals real responsibility from day one. Being recognised in this way shows that the approach is working and that we’re making a genuine impact.
What our Trainees say
We know the best people to speak about apprenticeships are the ones experiencing them. Here’s what one of our current Trainees had to say about their time on the programme:
‘The apprenticeship has been an excellent platform for MDS Trainees to develop new management skills in a supportive environment, allowing us to apply these skills directly to our secondments. I’ve learned some valuable techniques that I now regularly incorporate into my workshop and review meetings with operatives and managers. The coaches made the training sessions engaging and impactful through their expertise, enthusiasm, and genuine commitments to our success’
– Matthew Jones, Group 54 Trainee
From the CEO
Reflecting on the achievement, our CEO, Saffy Waterson, shared her thoughts on what this means for the organisation and the wider industry:
“Being named one of the top SME apprenticeship employers in the UK is a huge honour, and a real credit to the incredible community that makes MDS what it is. Our Trainees, Members and team are all deeply committed to developing future leaders for the food and farming industry. This recognition shows that the model we’ve built – one that combines real-world experience with meaningful support – is delivering real results. We’re proud of what we’ve achieved and excited to keep building on this momentum.”
– Saffy Waterson, CEO of MDS
Looking ahead
This award comes at an exciting time for MDS, as we continue to grow and evolve to meet the needs of a changing industry. We’ll keep pushing for better – supporting our Trainees, listening to feedback, and helping shape the future of food and farming.
Thank you to everyone who’s helped us reach this milestone!