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.