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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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.  

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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.

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