Agri-food apprenticeships launched for school leavers

Management training provider MDS has launched a new agri-food apprenticeship programme for college and sixth form leavers aged 18 and over.

The Fresh Futures Programme offers a direct route into the agriculture and food industry and a practical alternative to university. It follows 40 years of developing industry talent with new school leavers’ programme

The programme builds on the success of MDS’s well-established postgraduate apprenticeship scheme, delivering hands-on experience, real responsibility and a recognised qualification.

Practical skills

Each trainee will complete three eight-month secondments across different MDS member businesses, gaining practical skills in departments such as production, supply chain, operations and commercial.

This rotation model enables participants to develop a wide-ranging skill set, build valuable professional networks, and gain a clear understanding of how diverse businesses across the agriculture and food sector operate.

Candidates have the chance to gain broad industry experience across multiple roles. The programme has already been piloted successfully, with the first trainee reporting significant personal and professional development.

Early investment

“The programme was the perfect way to experience different disciplines in horticulture and help me decide on my direction for the future,” says Aaron Copeland, a graduate on the pilot programme.

“I have learned so much from each placement and I’m very grateful to all my placement managers who have supported and inspired me.”

Colm Deasy, head of engineering at fresh produce specialists Barfoots, praised Aaron and the scheme. “Aaron has supported the team’s workload and has admirably demonstrated the value of investing in early talent,” he said.

Based on this experience, Barfoot’s could look to utilise the apprenticeship scheme more strategically, using it as a pipeline to develop skilled employees, support succession planning, and strengthen capability across key operational areas.

How to apply

Applications for the next intake in West Sussex and Lincolnshire are now open. The programme offers a practical, career-focused pathway for motivated young people ready to begin their journey in the agriculture and food industry.

MDS chief executive Sapphira Waterson said the goal was to help youngsters secure long-term careers in the agrifood sector.

“This programme will give young people who want to take a vocational route into the workplace a fabulous opportunity to experience a diverse range of roles within our member companies.”

Over the past four decades, MDS has grown from just three businesses to 64 member companies across the agrifood, fresh produce and food retail sectors.  Members include Aldi, Pepsico, Riverford Organics and BASF.

For full details, and applications, visit www.mds-ltd.co.uk.