National Apprenticeship Week 2026: A Q&A With HR Apprentice Emoke Mihai

Posted February 12, 2026

 

As we continue National Apprenticeship Week 2026, we’re heading on-site to get to know our National Resourcing Manager who has recently taken on a HR apprenticeship, Emoke Mihai. Working in one of our busy client offices overseeing high-volume recruitment strategy across our client sites, Emoke decided to take the plunge into a HR apprenticeship with Total People. Her journey is a brilliant example of how apprenticeships aren’t just a “starting point”, they are a powerful way for established leaders to back up their experience with fresh, academic insights and additional qualifications.

What made you choose an apprenticeship?

After working and building up practical experience for a few years as National Resourcing Manager, I felt like I was ready for a new challenge. I wanted to push myself academically but didn’t want to stop working to do it. The idea of getting a qualification while staying in my role full-time was perfect. It means I can take what I learn in a morning session and use it in the office the same afternoon. It just felt like the right time to invest in myself.

What has been your proudest moment so far?

Honestly? Just making the decision to go for it. It’s a bit nerve-wracking to go back into education when you’ve been in the workforce for a while, so I’m proud of myself for taking that leap. Since I started, it’s been so rewarding to see the things I’m learning actually make a positive difference in my day-to-day work and the projects I’m involved in.

What’s been your favourite project to work on so far?

I’ve really enjoyed working alongside our HR Director here at Mach on some internal investigations. It’s helped me massively with my understanding of employment law. Seeing the link between the “theory” in my books and how we actually handle complex situations in the real world has made the work feel much more meaningful.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about starting an apprenticeship?

If you’re thinking about it, especially if you’re a bit further along in your career, just go for it. You’re never “too experienced” to learn something new. Apprenticeships aren’t just for beginners, they offer amazing development right up to degree level. My best advice would be to trust yourself, keep your diary organised, and never be afraid to ask for help. It’s definitely worth the effort.

What’s your go-to productivity hack?

I have always been a people-oriented person, during my career in retail and recruitment I have prioritised other’s needs. Since joining the apprenticeship with Total People, my tutor has been incredibly helpful with building a work/study balance as well as looking after my overall wellbeing. I’ve also learned that being productive sometimes means knowing how to prioritise and saying “no” when my plate is full. It’s all about balance!

What are your career goals after your apprenticeship?

Once I’ve finished, I’d love to move into a more senior or strategic role. I want to take everything I’ve picked up, both in the classroom and on-site, and start contributing at a higher level. I’d love to lead my own projects or even mentor others who are just starting their own apprenticeship journey.

How do you see your apprenticeship shaping your future in HR?

It’s already changing how I work. It’s helping me think more strategically rather than just focusing on the day-to-day tasks. It’s more than just a certificate on the wall for me, it’s about growing into a more confident professional and building the career I’ve always wanted.

Skills for Life at Mach Recruitment

As we wrap up our final Q&A for National Apprenticeship Week 2026, we want to say a huge thank you to Emoke, Charlie, Emily, and all our apprentices who shared their stories with us this week.

Whether it’s our National Resourcing Manager refining her strategic HR expertise or our new starters building their first lines of code, these conversations have highlighted one powerful truth: apprenticeships are for everyone. We’ve seen that it’s never too late to pivot, never too late to specialise, and certainly never too late to challenge yourself academically while delivering real-world results.

We don’t just view apprenticeships as a training programme, we see them as the future of our business. By partnering with world-class providers like Total People, QA, Sheffield University, and National Upskill, we are committed to ensuring our team has the “Skills for Life” they need to thrive in our ever-changing industry.

Missed a story? You can catch up on our full #NAW2026 series right here.

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    The Benefits of an On-Site Recruitment Team

    July 18, 2025

    For many growing businesses, talent acquisition is one of the most pressing challenges. While external agencies and RPO models can offer flexible solutions, there's a compelling case to be made for having a recruitment team embedded directly on-site.

National Apprenticeship Week 2026: A Q&A with Software Engineering Apprentice Charlie Wightman

Posted February 11, 2026

 

As part of National Apprenticeship Week 2026, we’re getting to know our apprentice’s a little better. Today, we’re talking to Charlie Wightman, our Software Engineering Apprentice. 

Charlie joined us just a few months ago through our partnership with QA, and he has already made a significant impact on our digital projects. We asked him a few questions to see how he’s finding things so far. 

What made you choose an apprenticeship?  

I chose an apprenticeship to get in at the ground level, to gain practical experience in the corporate environment and my chosen field. Working whilst studying to gain my qualification seemed like the best choice to me. 

What’s been your favourite project or campaign to work on so far?

My favourite project was the Black Friday and Christmas “Spin the Wheel” reward page. This was a site designed for our temporary staff who had gone above and beyond, they received a card with a QR code and a unique entry key to release a spin and see if they had won a prize. 

I worked closely with our Developer, Jake Dunbar, to code the page. This was the first project where I had a more considerable role with more responsibility, and it was great to see it through from start to finish. 

What has been your proudest moment so far? 

Finishing the Black Friday project and seeing my work being implemented. 

What advice would you give to someone thinking about starting an apprenticeship? 

Make sure you choose an apprenticeship you have a genuine interest in. After that, enjoy it and give 100%! 

What’s your go-to productivity hack? 

Music and tea. Simple but effective! 

What are your career goals after your apprenticeship? 

I want to continue improving on the skills the apprenticeship will equip me with and grow as a developer. 

How do you see your apprenticeship shaping your future in Software Engineering? 

The apprenticeship will equip me with a qualification and teach me the fundamentals of software development, whilst giving me the chance to apply that knowledge to a relevant context. Over the duration of the course, it will also develop other essential skills, such as how to approach work-life and time management. 

Developing the Next Generation of Tech Talent 

At Mach Recruitment, we know that the tech landscape is always evolving. By partnering with QA, the UK’s leading tech training provider, we ensure our apprentices like Charlie are learning the most up-to-date “Skills for Life.” 

National Apprenticeship Week 2026 is all about celebrating these success stories and the mentorship, like the collaboration between Charlie and Jake, that makes them possible.  

  •  

    The Benefits of an On-Site Recruitment Team

    July 18, 2025

    For many growing businesses, talent acquisition is one of the most pressing challenges. While external agencies and RPO models can offer flexible solutions, there's a compelling case to be made for having a recruitment team embedded directly on-site.

National Apprenticeship Week 2026: A Q&A with Multi-Channel Marketing Apprentice Emily Gough

Posted February 10, 2026

 

To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2026, we’re shining a spotlight on the incredible talent within the Mach Recruitment team. Apprenticeships aren’t just for school leavers – they’re a powerful pathway for career changers and lifelong learners alike.

Today, we’re catching up with Emily Gough, our Multi-Channel Marketing Apprentice, who’s now in the final stretch of her Level 3 apprenticeship, working on her last three-month project.

What made you choose an apprenticeship?

I had my heart set on getting out of the customer service industry. I had just taken time away from working for my mental health and just couldn’t go back to something I didn’t truly love for a lifelong career. I wanted to use my creative skills in a role that wasn’t 100% creative which is when a friend recommended marketing, but unfortunately, I couldn’t go back to university after dropping out in my early 20’s.

This was when I realised that even at nearly 30 years old, I could apply for an apprenticeship and work while I learned. It felt like the more accessible route to getting into a career I would love, finally!

What has been your proudest moment so far?

My proudest moment so far has been getting a distinction in my first of two assessments my overall grade will be based on. I don’t do well in exam-type conditions, I get anxious, but the assessment itself was quite relaxed, just a talk about my work so far and marketing knowledge! When the email confirmation of a distinction grade came in, it was a huge sigh of relief, and it solidified my confidence that I can do this.

What’s been your favourite project or campaign to work on so far?

It’s hard to pinpoint a favourite, but I’ve loved projects that implement my favourite parts of creative work. I initially wanted to do filmmaking in my early 20’s, so I’d say going out to interview recruiters and then the process of taking the footage and editing it down into a reel or video, captioning, and the entire process of those projects would be a highlight.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about starting an apprenticeship?

I think it’s important to know that you can apply and start one at any age. Just like Jane Fonda once said, “It’s never too late – never too late to start over, never too late to be happy.” But in general, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Don’t be scared to be “annoying”, you don’t learn by not asking how something is done or not asking for feedback.

What’s your go-to productivity hack?

I personally love the Pomodoro technique. When I get really into a project, I tend to “lock in” for hours and end up a bit burnt out, so I have an app on my phone that tells me when to take 5 minutes. This is especially important if you have issues with eye strain when looking at screens for so long too!

What are your career goals after your apprenticeship?

I hope to stay where I am and continue learning with the amazing support I have here. Long-term, I’d like to gain experience in marketing for other types of companies, hopefully in my spare time volunteering for local motorsports, or small businesses and charities.

How do you see your apprenticeship shaping your future in marketing?

I think it’s making my future in marketing possible. Like I said, I didn’t really see another way into the career, so I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn and gain experience to have a life-long career that I enjoy.

A Huge Thank You to QA

A big part of Emily’s success is down to our partnership with our training provider, QA. As the UK’s leading tech training provider, QA has been instrumental in providing the structured learning and expert assessment that helped Emily achieve her recent distinction. Their support ensures our apprentices gain the “Skills for Life” that National Apprenticeship Week 2026 is all about.

National Apprenticeship Week 2026

Emily’s story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to pivot into a career you’re passionate about. Her success during her Level 3 Multi-Channel Marketing Apprenticeship shows exactly why these programs are a cornerstone of professional growth. As we continue to mark National Apprenticeship Week 2026, we’ll be getting to know more of our diverse apprentices.

  •  

    The Benefits of an On-Site Recruitment Team

    July 18, 2025

    For many growing businesses, talent acquisition is one of the most pressing challenges. While external agencies and RPO models can offer flexible solutions, there's a compelling case to be made for having a recruitment team embedded directly on-site.

Is this the future of recruitment? Using technology to help firms build resilient, future-proof workforces

Posted November 28, 2025

 

[View the original piece via The Yorkshire Post]

As employers face recruitment challenges, agencies are standing out from the crowd by investing in technology to help them put people first.

The UK labour market has faced unprecedented disruption over the past few years. Brexit, shifts in immigration policy and ongoing adjustments to the EU settlement scheme have reshaped the supply of skilled workers. For employers, the challenge has become not just filling vacancies but securing reliable, high-quality talent that can adapt to evolving market demands.

In this turbulent environment, agencies that combine strong recruitment expertise with forward-thinking technology are setting themselves apart. Rather than relying on traditional methods alone, these firms are embracing innovation to ensure resilience, flexibility and long-term workforce stability for their clients.

One agency leading the charge is Mach, headquartered in Leeds, which has been investing heavily in new tools and strategies to stay ahead of shifting market demands. In 2024, the firm deployed 37% of its workforce across multiple customers and sectors – reflecting the rising demand for flexible, cross-sector workforce models. Looking ahead, Mach has set a 2025 target of 45%, underlining how agility and mobility are fast becoming critical to business continuity.

Using technology to reimagine recruitment

Technology is central to this shift. Recruitment firms that leverage AI, digital onboarding and even virtual reality training are reimagining how talent is attracted, assessed and retained. Mach, for example, has rolled out:

• AI-powered attraction tools that target candidates more precisely and accelerate hiring.

• Digital onboarding platforms that cut paperwork, speed up compliance checks and support environmentally conscious businesses.

• Biometric time and attendance systems, ensuring secure and verified access to shifts.

• Virtual reality training, offering immersive onboarding and skills development while helping screen candidates for role suitability.

• Integrated applicant tracking systems and bespoke dashboards that give clients real-time visibility over recruitment data.

These innovations do more than just streamline processes. By automating administrative tasks, consultants are freed up to focus on what matters most: Engaging with candidates, building long-term relationships and delivering strong on-site support for clients.

Technology and compliance go hand in hand

Compliance has become a defining benchmark for the recruitment industry, with leading agencies raising expectations well beyond standard checks. Mach exemplifies this shift, combining advanced technology with a proactive, people-first compliance model. Rather than treating compliance as a tick-box exercise, the company embeds ethical recruitment practices, rigorous legal oversight and specialist compliance training.

This approach represents more than risk management – it’s about creating recruitment solutions that are ethical, sustainable and built to last. In a climate where labour shortages continue to challenge businesses, those agencies that blend innovation with responsibility are emerging as the true partners of choice, helping organisations secure not just talent, but resilient, future-ready workforces.

Find out more by reaching out to Mach’s sales and solutions team at [email protected]

  •  

    The Benefits of an On-Site Recruitment Team

    July 18, 2025

    For many growing businesses, talent acquisition is one of the most pressing challenges. While external agencies and RPO models can offer flexible solutions, there's a compelling case to be made for having a recruitment team embedded directly on-site.

Build Resilient Teams That Adapt to Any Challenge: Future-Proof Your Workforce

Posted November 28, 2025

 

[View the original piece via Personnel Today]

In today’s fast-moving, tech-driven world, businesses can’t rely on hiring alone. The companies that win are those that upskill their people, close skills gaps and build teams ready for any challenge.

Upskilling isn’t optional – it’s strategic. It boosts productivity, cuts attrition and sharpens competitiveness. A culture of learning sparks innovation, drives problem-solving and creates the adaptable teams organisations need to stay ahead.

Mach Recruitment: Building a Resilient Workforce

Mach Recruitment is redefining workforce development. As a UK leader in high-volume onsite recruitment, Mach doesn’t just place talent – it builds strong, lasting teams. Through training courses, apprenticeships and degree-level programmes, Mach develops its own workforce while strengthening clients’ temporary and permanent teams.

Mach works closely with clients to align skills development with operational goals, creating high-performing teams equipped for the future.

“Training and upskilling should sit at the heart of any workforce strategy,” says Lesley-Ann Harris, Corporate Social Responsibility & Training Manager at Mach Recruitment.

“By investing in people, businesses can build stronger, more adaptable workforces ready for any challenge.”

Core Academy: Training That Delivers Results

Powering Mach’s training initiatives is their sister brand, Core Academy, a Highfield-accredited training provider and part of the Toryen Group. Core Academy goes beyond standard training, it delivers bespoke, measurable, productivity-focused training that tackles real business challenges.

Key benefits:

  • Tailored courses aligned to business needs
  • Measurable outcomes and clear ROI
  • Expert trainers integrated with client teams
  • Flexible delivery: on-site or e-learning

“Our mission is simple: equip workforces with skills that drive real improvement,” says Maria Hancock, Managing Director at Core Academy.

“Whether it’s operational skills, compliance training or leadership development, our courses are designed to deliver measurable impact and lasting change.”

Courses That Make a Difference

 Core Academy offers a wide range of accredited training:

  • Leadership & Management Development
  • Lean Six Sigma: Yellow, Green, Black, Master Black Belt
  • Forklift & Equipment Training: Counterbalance, Reach, Pivot Steer, Telescopic Handlers
  • Health, Safety & Food Compliance: HACCP, COSHH, Manual Handling
  • Emergency Response: First Aid, Fire Marshall, CPR & AED
  • Customer Service, Substance Misuse, Auditing & Inspection

Developing Leadership Capability

Strong leadership is crucial for business success. Leaders define the vision, inspire and motivate teams, and guide strategic decision-making. These capabilities drive growth, innovation, and help organisations navigate challenges. At Mach, leadership development goes beyond operational skills.

Through Core Academy, client leadership teams acquire the strategic and managerial expertise needed to support growth. Leadership programmes strengthen decision-making and people management, while Lean Six Sigma training helps improve efficiency and streamline operations.

Partnering for a Future-Ready Workforce

As industries continue to evolve, upskilling is no longer optional – it’s essential. By investing in people, these organisations are helping clients drive innovation, enhance productivity and secure long-term competitiveness in a changing world.

Find out more from Mach Recruitment.

  •  

    The Benefits of an On-Site Recruitment Team

    July 18, 2025

    For many growing businesses, talent acquisition is one of the most pressing challenges. While external agencies and RPO models can offer flexible solutions, there's a compelling case to be made for having a recruitment team embedded directly on-site.

Make significant cost savings, boost efficiency & retain staff at peak with Mach’s latest tech & engagement

Posted November 28, 2025

 

[View the original piece via The Yorkshire Post]

Struggling to keep up with peak hiring in 2025? Mach supports businesses with proven cost savings, workforce efficiency, cutting-edge recruitment technology and strategies to retain their best workers.

The peak period is in full swing, and for the UK’s industrial and logistics sector, it’s the most demanding and competitive time of the year. Warehouses, production facilities, and fulfilment centres are running at full capacity, with demand for skilled and reliable colleagues at an all-time high.

That’s where Mach Recruitment makes the difference

By combining data-driven recruitment, innovative technology, and unrivalled colleague engagement, Mach helps businesses achieve significant operational savings while building happier, more productive teams.

While attracting talent remains a challenge, the real test during peak is retention. With so many opportunities available, workers have more choice than ever. The employers who thrive are those who create environments where colleagues feel valued, supported and motivated to stay.

Mach Recruitment: Leading the way in workforce retention

As one of the UK’s leading onsite recruitment providers, Mach Recruitment is setting the standard in workforce retention and engagement. Supporting over 12,000 workers every week across its national network, Mach combines scale with a personal, people-first approach.

Even during the busiest periods, Mach consistently achieves market-leading results:

· 87% of Mach workers are retained across the first 12 weeks of employment.

· 4.1/5 candidate satisfaction score based on onboarding feedback.

· 78% return to Mach for another assignment.

· 95% would recommend Mach to friends and family for work.

With the capacity to recruit and deploy up to 4,000 new workers each week, Mach ensures its clients have the flexibility and resilience they need to meet peak demand.

Powered by engagement

Mach is known across the recruitment industry for its extravagant, creative and fun engagement events that go beyond the ordinary. From themed site days and huge prize draws to colleague appreciation weeks and seasonal celebrations, Mach’s on-site engagement initiatives are designed to make colleagues feel valued, recognised and part of something bigger.

The true cost of turnover

High attrition at this time of year can cause major operational strain – disrupting productivity, morale and fulfilment capacity. The first 12 weeks of an assignment are critical, as engagement and connection determine whether a worker stays or moves on.

How to retain colleagues through peak

To keep hold of top talent, employers need to go beyond pay rates and focus on the full colleague experience:

· Create belonging from day one. A strong induction and supportive environment ensure colleagues feel part of the team immediately.

· Recognise effort and loyalty. Celebrating contributions keeps workers motivated during demanding peak periods.

· Engage beyond the job. Fun engagement activities help build a sense of community that keeps colleagues coming back.

At the height of peak season, when competition for talent is fierce, employers who prioritise their people will always outperform those who don’t. With its proven retention record, national reach, and unrivalled colleague engagement, Mach Recruitment continues to set the benchmark for satisfaction and loyalty in the industrial and logistics sector. To find out how Mach can support your business, get in touch at [email protected]

  •  

    The Benefits of an On-Site Recruitment Team

    July 18, 2025

    For many growing businesses, talent acquisition is one of the most pressing challenges. While external agencies and RPO models can offer flexible solutions, there's a compelling case to be made for having a recruitment team embedded directly on-site.