Fresh Futures Apprenticeship - food, fresh produce and agriculture Industry - Ely, Cambridgeshire
MDS Ltd · England-wide
Supply chain practitioner (fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG)) (level 3)
A one off opportunity to start your career without going to university. Earn £22,000 per annum from day one while completing a supply chain apprenticeship and gaining hands-on experience through three placements with a leading food, fresh produce and agriculture business. Training, support and a recognised qualification included.
The work
- Gain hands-on experience through three placements in different roles
- Support food production, supply chain, logistics, operations and technical teams
- Learn how products move from farm to shelf
- Assist with planning, coordination and day-to-day business activities
- Work alongside experienced colleagues and industry professionals
- Develop practical skills through real responsibilities and projects
- Complete an 18-month Supply Chain Apprenticeship alongside work
- Build knowledge of the food, fresh produce and agriculture sectors
- Contribute to team objectives and continuous improvement activities
- Receive training, mentoring and support throughout the programme
Training
A blend of online learning, workplace training, mentoring and occasional face-to-face training events at UK locations. A full training programme for the duration of the scheme will be provided at induction, with ongoing support from secondment managers, mentors and the MDS team throughout.
Training provider: THE APPRENTICESHIP COLLEGE LTD
What you come out with
After completing the programme, you'll be well placed to continue your development with MDS or progress into a full-time career with one of our member companies, subject to suitable roles, or elsewhere within the fresh food industry.
What they are looking for
- Communication skills
- IT skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Customer care skills
- Problem solving skills
- Presentation skills
- Administrative skills
- Number skills
- Analytical skills
- Logical
- Team working
- Initiative
- Adaptability
- Resiliance
- Curiosity
- Proactive
- Enthusiastic
- Motivated
- Industry Interest
- Desires progression
Qualifications
- Essential · A Level any three subjects, or equivalent qualifications Pass
Things to consider
Fresh Futures is specifically designed for school and college leavers who are completing their A-levels or equivalent Level 3 qualifications in 2026 and are ready to take their first step into full-time employment.
Who we are looking for:
- Have completed (or be on track to complete) 3 A levels or equivalent qualifications
- Enthusiastic and motivated individuals ready to learn and work in practical roles
- A strong interest in the food supply chain and a desire to build a career from day one
- No prior experience in food and agriculture is required - just energy, commitment and a willingness to get stuck in
- Must have, or be working towards, a full UK driving licence, as the programme involves rotational placements across rural locations
The employer
MDS Ltd is a not-for-profit leader in developing future talent for the UK's food, fresh produce, agriculture and horticulture sectors. Since 1986, we have worked with more than 60 industry-leading businesses, from small growers to major retailers. Through our Fresh Futures programme, school and college leavers gain hands-on experience, structured development and industry-recognised qualifications, helping them build successful careers in the sector.
Where you would work
Placements will be based within the South Lincolnshire and West Sussex areas, known as hubs. Three 8-month placements with different businesses within the hubs. Work with leading food and agriculture businesses in your region. Gain valuable, transferable experience across multiple roles. Build a strong network and boost your employability in a vital industry.