MDS trainees given access to Agri-TechE’s Early Career Innovators’ Forum with aim of getting more young talent into food and farming industry
Food and farming management development programme MDS has announced a new strategic partnership with the agritech memeers’ network Agri-TechE to connect emerging talent with innovative agri-food businesses.
The collaboration will provide MDS trainees with access to Agri-TechE’s Early Career Innovators’ Forum (ECIF), while creating new opportunities for businesses to engage with the next generation of industry leaders.
The partnership allows for Agri-TechE members to host MDS trainees through six-month secondment placements starting in October.
“By welcoming high-potential trainees into their organisations, businesses can strengthen talent attraction, succession planning and workforce resilience, while bringing fresh perspectives and new ideas into their teams,” MDS explained.
Kirsty Barden, head of careers and development at MDS, added: “Our trainees thrive when they experience the breadth and pace of innovation taking place across the sector.
“Access to Agri-TechE’s network and the ECIF community will provide experiences that complement our management and leadership programme and prepare trainees for leadership roles within the food and agriculture industries.”
Agri-TechE members can host their first trainee secondment without becoming MDS members, providing a simple way to experience the benefits of the programme.
As part of the partnership, MDS trainees will gain access to the ECIF community and events programme, connecting them with leading agri-tech businesses, researchers, investors and innovators.
Through specialist events, webinars, farm and industry visits, networking opportunities and the annual ECIF Conference, trainees will build industry knowledge, expand their professional networks and strengthen their leadership skills.
Existing MDS members can become Agri-TechE members, enabling direct access to the latest expertise and innovation across the agri-food sector.
The partnership expands opportunities to engage with MDS trainees placed across a broader range of businesses. This will help businesses to attract new talent, while strengthening connections across the wider agri-food ecosystem.
MDS has been developing future leaders for the food, agriculture and fresh produce sectors for more than 40 years through a structured programme combining professional development with rotational placements across host businesses.
This organisation said the new partnership “strengthens its commitment to equipping trainees with the skills, networks and industry insight needed to lead in a rapidly evolving sector”.
