Graduate Scheme - Autumn 2026

• 01/10/2026
• £26,000-£28,000
• Apprenticeship - Higher apprenticeship: level 5
• Management Development Services Ltd 14 Papyrus Business Parc Werrington, Peterborough PE4 5BH

Kick-start your career in the food and fresh produce industry with MDS
Applications now open for our Spring 2026 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?

• Gain a Level 5 Leadership and Management qualification, accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI)
• 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 mentoring and coaching to help you reach your full potential
• Join a network of over 500 MDS alumni, many now in senior roles across the industry
• Benefit from excellent career prospects – 100% of trainees to date have received a job offer upon completing the programme

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.

Job Ref: autumn26