Graduate Trainee Review
at MDS
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Project Management
Peterborough
Review Submitted: April 2025
Overall Rating
4.1 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
3.6/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
4/5
Role is extremely varied as trainees are sent on 3-4 secondments throughout their time with MDS. Day-to-days in each role will vary but will be focused on managing teams and learning about the ins and outs of each role, which you will be in for 6-12 months
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
Whilst there are some difficulties with the programme (having to relocate and completely change jobs and company every 6 months) which can make it challenging at times, the support available has really made the programme an enjoyable experience on the whole
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have learnt more different skills that I could possibly imagine throughout my time on the scheme as I have got experience in 3 different job roles in different companies across my time in the programme. Development is the key focus, and the scheme's aim of improving trainees' leadership has been personally successful
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
Structure is clearly delineated from the beginning, and communications are made clear when changes are planned
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
The scheme has a focus on trainee independence and autonomy. However, there is support available to those who need it, and the support team have been very helpful and understanding when dealing with any issues that have arisen
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
Support has been quick and effective from the training provider whenever needed, however some of the training materials could be organised more effectively.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
I have learned lots of useful frameworks and skills that I can apply to different areas of my job, whether they may be directly or indirectly applicable. Some learnings from the qualification have been more effective than others, however, I can't confidently put this down to either the standard of teaching or the relevance of the material as each secondment on the scheme varies quite differently; if some learning doesn't feel relevant when you learn it, it most likely will become relevant by the time you finish the scheme
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
3/5
While our trainees have access to others' through trainee action groups and meetups with other trainees every 3 months, more could be done to connect trainees throughout the journey. This reflects my own personal experience as I have only worked in the same company as one trainee across three different roles. Others have had more social experiences than myself but it is ultimately what you want to make of your own situation
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend MDS to a friend?
Yes
Why?
No scheme out there can prepare you for the real world better than MDS through the relocations, varied job experience, and apprenticeship you complete alongside. It is an excellent opportunity to develop both yourself and your career and gives you a range of great options if you want to get into the Fast Moving Consumer Goods Industry
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to MDS?
Be aware that the relocation can be tough, but if you are willing to make the most of that in each of your secondments, and work hard, you will get great value out of the scheme.
