Management Graduate Trainee Review

I have been with MDS for 5 months now out of 24 months that the placement lasts for. I feel cared for by the team. I feel listened to and that my opinion matters. They seemed to know me very well even after meeting me for the first time. They provide support for areas for development and really feel the personal touch. They are strong and tough at times but that's what care is about and I react well to it.

I am currently seconded to PepsiCo Walkers brand and I work as an agricultural procurement technician in a fully remote, work from home-based role. It is a role I never would have landed without MDS as it can be very difficult to gain exposure to global brands from a trainee level. I am grateful for the opportunity and I really enjoy communicating with suppliers and meeting new people. I have also been interested in the soils testing and potato grading as it give a nice change from excel work.

My team acknowledges my opinion and feedback. I am not excel proficient but there is support out there when I get stuck. The team gets together once a week on a Monday morning and it's a great opportunity to share my work (I work very independently) and get opinions, hints and tips to make it even better. Would give 5 stars if the team calls we more than once weekly.

I think remuneration is fair for the level of work I currently do. I am excited to do more and push myself further and the pay rise in the 2nd year will really drive me as a reward for sticking with it and persistence. The team at MDS make me feel that I am worth the investment and I see no areas for improvement in this sense. I was also given a car by MDS for my role in supporting supply groups around the country.

It couldn't be better. It's exactly what we want from graduate placement schemes. They place you in real life roles which give you real exposure to complex issues. It gives you the opportunity to network and get connections that without the opportunity, would not be possible.

MDS employees respond to my emails and calls and conversation with them is easy and like I have known them for a long time. They always ask us to support other trainees and also give us contact details of other trainees who have worked in our placements before we start which really helps with the transition process. I would give 5 stars if there were more support in finding housing in new placement areas.

I don't have to work more than what I expect for my role. There is time to complete apprenticeship work during my work day as I find down time now and then which is helpful. Secondment managers support apprenticeship work too which takes worry out of personal time.

MDS is a female led team which in my opinion has cultivated a friendly, caring and honest environment to work with. I don't feel I have to hide myself to appear better than thing are actually going. Policy seems fair and I was welcomed, and everyone knew my name the first time I walked through the door which took away nerves and feelings of uncertainty.

In my cohort we have a fairly diverse group which is only positive. Also, many trainees know each other from the industry which is nice to see. I believe there are women in agro events and buddy initiatives which make the atmosphere feel inclusive for all.

Yes

I would say to a friend that MDS gives you real opportunities to grow and expand your knowledge and to find exactly what you're looking for. It's not easy but also MDS tells us it's not easy so we know what to expect! The honesty of the team really helps us feel valued and that's why they're one of the best apprenticeship schemes in the country.

When I was put on placement in my first secondment, I was fully made aware of the role and responsibilities which was made even clearer after a meeting with the secondment manager. In my case, one of the many roles I was supposed to be placed on never happened due to internal tools not being ready however this is of no fault of MDS. We pivoted quickly and I learned more about a different area of the business.