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.