Latest cohort of fresh produce managers graduate

Posted 1 August 2014

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A group of newly-qualified fresh produce managers came together for a special awards ceremony at Harper Adams University last week.

MDS (Management Development Services) delivers a two-year Post Graduate Certificate in Food and Fresh Produce Management, which is accredited by the university in Shropshire.

Graduates from groups 30 and 31 were invited to the Regional Food Academy on campus to receive their certificates and to celebrate their success with friends and family.

The event was opened by Link Co-ordinator and Harper Adams lecturer, Richard Taylor, and the graduates and their guests were welcomed by the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Dr David Llewellyn, before chairman of MDS Ltd, Doug Henderson, presented the awards.

Mr Henderson said: “The reputation that MDS enjoys is not only being able to supply junior managers, but is really built on the contribution that the trainees make during their careers - something that is really appreciated by the industry.

“This is something that we are extremely proud of and one of the other factors contributing to our success is our continuing relationship with Harper Adams University.

“Following an extremely vigorous re-validation process, we are now concluding the first of a five year agreement with Harper Adams.”

25-year-old Emma Kelcher from Morpeth joined the MDS scheme after completing a BSc (Hons) Food Quality and Business Management degree at Harper Adams. She said: “I have really enjoyed MDS and it has definitely taught me a lot.

“I certainly wouldn’t be managing a team of people if it hadn’t been for MDS, so I can safely say that it has all been really good.”

Also announced at the event was the award for the best synoptic paper, presented by Editor of the Fresh Produce Journal, Michael Barker. This was awarded to Becky Riddle from group 30 and Rob Green from group 31.

Rob Green was presented with the award for his work investigating food waste. He said: “When I look back and think where I was then, and where I am now, the conversion and level of training packed into two years, I am so grateful for it and the opportunities MDS has given me.

“Also the level of personal development that you gain, MDS really works with trainees to help identify areas that they are good at and enjoy, so I am really grateful for that and can’t thank everyone enough.”

MDS Ltd and Harper Adams launched the Postgraduate Certificate in Food and Fresh Produce Management in October 2007, when it was the first course of its kind. The accredited two-year course revolves around four secondments of about six months each, combined with off-the-job learning from external tutors, many of whom are industry experts.