Food & Agriculture Graduate

We typically look for a 2:1 or above, but if you have strong industry experience, we would still like to hear from you. More importantly, we want to see:

• Leadership potential - the ability to inspire others, take initiative, and make things happen
• Resilience and motivation - a strong work ethic and a drive to succeed
• Adaptability - the confidence to relocate and thrive in new roles and environments every 6 months
• A practical mindset - the ability to solve problems and work independently
• Passion for the food and agriculture industry - enthusiasm for making a difference in a fast-moving, vital sector
To apply, you must:
• Have the right to work in the UK by the time the programme starts, and for the duration of the programme (two years)
• Be able to relocate across the UK (and potentially overseas, though this is optional) for each secondment
• Hold a full UK driving licence and have access to your own vehicle by the time you start the programme, as many secondments are in rural areas where public transport is not a viable option
  
  Kick-start your career in the food and fresh produce industry with MDS. Applications now open for our Spring 2027 intake.
Looking for a fast-track route into leadership and management? The MDS graduate scheme offers driven graduates the opportunity to step straight into real-world roles across the food, fresh produce, agriculture and horticulture sectors. From day one, you'll receive structured training, a full salary and expert guidance from our team, empowering you to take charge of your success. Over two years, you'll work in up to four secondments (each lasting 6-12 months) within some of the UK's leading food and agriculture businesses - our Members. These secondments will give you hands-on experience across a variety of disciplines; you might find yourself coordinating a harvest with a major grower in one secondment, and then leading a business-critical project with a national retailer in the next. Wherever you go, you'll be making a real impact - our Trainees are known for delivering results and driving innovation. Why choose MDS?
• Be employed by MDS, with a salary of £26,000 in year one, rising to £28,000 in year two
• Relocation allowance of up to £1000 per year
• Benefit from leadership training, including theatre-based sessions, sustainability modules, and projects designed to develop problem-solving and strategic thinking.
• Benefit from tailored mentoring and coaching to help you reach your full potential
• Benefit from excellent career prospects - almost 100% of trainees to date have received a job offer upon completing the programme
• Join a network of over 500 MDS alumni, many now in senior roles across the industry
Ready to apply? MDS recruits over 60 graduates each year, with programme intakes in April and October. Applications are open year-round via our website, and we review candidates on a rolling basis., MDS recruits over 60 graduates each year, with programme intakes in April and October. Applications are open year-round via our website, and we review candidates on a rolling basis. The application process is straightforward and supportive:
• Online application - no testing, and takes around 30-40 minutes to complete
• Video interview - a chance to tell us more about you and your motivations
• Main interview - we assess a range of competencies based on examples from your personal experiences
• Online Assessment - a link will be sent to complete an online assessment
• Assessment Centre - meet the team, take part in group tasks, and show your potential, The food and fresh produce industry is the largest manufacturing sector in the UK, and MDS develops talented people to become future leaders in this innovative, diverse and sustainable industry.
MDS is a not-for-profit organisation established in 1986 by a group of forward-thinking growers concerned about the shortage of skilled managers within the industry. Today, our membership includes over 60 businesses across the food supply chain and continues to grow year on year. Through collaboration with these industry-leading companies, MDS has helped fast-track the careers of more than 600 graduates.Discover Our Diverse Members From farm to fork, our members represent every part of the supply chain, including growers, manufacturers, logistics providers and retailers. This breadth gives MDS participants a unique insight into how the food industry operates and where their strengths lie. MDS offers structured development programmes designed to launch careers in the food supply chain. The MDS Graduate Scheme is a two-year programme made up of up to four rotational placements with different Member businesses. MDS matches Trainees to placements to provide the broadest possible experience across the industry, helping them explore their strengths and interests while developing leadership skills. Alongside their placements, Trainees work towards an industry-specific leadership qualification tailored to the food and agriculture sector. New for 2026, the MDS School Leavers Programme offers an alternative to university for those looking to start a career in the food industry straight from school or college. This paid apprenticeship combines hands-on experience with leading businesses with the opportunity to study for a recognised supply chain qualification, giving participants practical skills and industry knowledge from day one.