MDS Ltd school leavers’ programme is a new apprenticeship programme for college and sixth form leavers aged 18 or over. The Fresh Futures Programme offers a direct route into the agriculture and food industry and a practical alternative to university. It builds on the success of MDS’s well-established postgraduate apprenticeship scheme, delivering hands-on experience, real responsibility, and a recognised qualification.
Candidates have the chance to gain broad industry experience across multiple roles. 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. The programme has piloted successfully, with the first trainee reporting significant personal and professional development.
Aaron Copeland, a graduate on the pilot programme, said: “The programme was the perfect way to experience different disciplines in horticulture and help me decide on my direction for the future.? 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, Barfoots Head of Engineering praised Aaron and the scheme: “Aaron has supported the team’s workload and has admirably demonstrated the value of investing in early talent. Based on this experience, Barfoot’s could look to utilise the apprenticeship scheme more strategically in the future, using it as a pipeline to develop skilled employees, support succession planning, and strengthen capability across key operational areas.”
Applications are open
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.
Commenting on the programme, Sapphira Waterson, MDS CEO, said: “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, as well as the potential for long-term careers in the agrifood sector.”
Since its formation 40 years ago, MDS has grown from its founding membership of three grower businesses to 64 member companies across the agrifood, fresh?produce?and food retail sectors. Members include Aldi,?Pepsico, Riverford Organics and BASF.?