Food supply chain training provider MDS is offering a programme geared towards ex-forces and career changers, in a bid to triple the number of its secondments in the sector.

The new programme will be kickstarted by a £450,000 government grant for flexi-apprenticeships.

MDS works with over 60 food and fresh produce businesses across the UK to run its leadership and management training scheme for degree graduates. The company will be introducing an operations and development scheme tailored to non-graduates already in the workplace. The existing leadership and management training scheme will also be opened up to military service leavers with leadership experience. 

The new operations and development scheme created as a result of the funding will fill roles at operational level. MDS said that these are hands-on roles that could start on a production line, but the trainees will have the aptitude and desire to move into more senior roles, for example packhouse manager. In total, there will now by 220 placements available every six months.

“Exciting new challenges”

MDS chief operating officer Sapphira Waterson said: “Giving ex-military personnel a route into the sector has been a passion of mine for both the opportunity it gives food supply chain businesses and those leaving the forces to develop a compelling career. As team players with a bias for decision making and completing tasks, ex-service personnel are a perfect fit for our fast-paced sector, and in turn it is a route for them to continue to develop professionally and personally when they leave the military.

“Equally it offers exciting new challenges for others in the workplace who don’t have a degree but have a drive and interest to develop their careers. They may have come from retail, healthcare or hospitality or are returning to work after a break.”

More information on the scheme can be found on MDS’ website.