We’re shining a spotlight on the journeys of our Trainees and the incredible opportunities our programme offers. Edward Mayell, a Trainee currently on the MDS Graduate Scheme, shares his experience completing an apprenticeship alongside his placements, and how it’s shaped his career in the agri-food industry.
What made you join the MDS programme?
One of the most valuable aspects of the MDS programme is how it combines structured academic learning with practical, on-the-job experience spanning the full breath of the agri-food supply chain. Completing a Level 5 Apprenticeship in Leadership and Management alongside my rotations has allowed me to apply theory directly to real-life situations – reinforcing the learning through experience rather than purely academic theory.
What was your first placement?
My first placement was as a Trainee Farm Manager with A G Wright & Son, a family run arable farm in Cambridgeshire. This role provided a strong operational foundation and introduced me to leadership in its most practical form. During harvest, I was responsible for managing a diverse team in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. This experience brought to life several key apprenticeship themes such as; making effective decisions under pressure and managing individuals with different backgrounds, motivations and working styles. The responsibility of balancing productivity with safety and maintaining morale was challenging but formative, and it gave me confidence in my ability to lead in real-world conditions.
How did your next role help your development?
I then moved into a Customer Marketing Coordinator role at Frontier Agriculture, where my focus shifted towards project management. A key element of this secondment was managing multiple marketing initiatives, including campaigns such as the National Winter Events Series. Coordinating timelines, stakeholders and resources across several projects simultaneously strengthened my project management skills and reinforced the necessity for prioritisation and the importance of clear communication across all levels of a team. Concepts from my apprenticeship, such as stakeholder management and delivery accountability, proved directly applicable when working with internal and external teams.
What skills did you develop as a Vegetable Sales Trainee?
My placement with Elsoms Seeds further developed my understanding of commercial relationships within agriculture. Working closely with seed breeders and growers, across the UK and beyond, highlighted the importance of technical credibility and long-term thinking. Managing conversations across different levels of experience and responsibility again reinforced the leadership and communication skills developed through my apprenticeship.
Where are you now and what has that role taught you?
I am currently on my final secondment, working as an Assistant Buyer with Aldi. This role has completed my end-to-end view of the fresh produce supply chain, providing insight into retail decision-making, supplier management and the commercial pressures that ultimately influence growing decisions and supplier investment upstream. Operating in a fast-paced retail environment has further strengthened my ability to make informed decisions quickly, supported by data and aligned to wider business objectives.
How did the Level 5 Apprenticeship support your placements?
Across all placements, the Level 5 Apprenticeship has provided me with relevant, practical theory that has genuinely supported my development within each role. Rather than being a separate academic exercise, it has offered learning that can be immediately applied during our secondments. The combination of MDS rotations and the apprenticeship has allowed me to develop leadership skills, commercial acumen and given me a holistic overview of the agri-food supply chain, positioning me well for a long-term career within the industry.
Ed’s journey is just one example of how MDS combines practical work experience with academic learning, preparing Trainees for leadership roles across the agri-food supply chain. Whether you’re exploring career opportunities or considering an apprenticeship, his story highlights the value of real-world experience and the skills that truly last a lifetime.
