9th-15th February 2026
Meet Our Apprentices
At Marlowe Environmental Services, we’re proud to support apprenticeships as a fantastic route into a rewarding career.
From marketing to engineering, we offer a wide range of opportunities for people to gain hands-on experience, develop new skills, and grow within our business.
Meet Maya Shah-Thornley
Maya began her journey at MES as a marketing apprentice.
We prioritise nurturing talent from within, guiding individuals from apprenticeships to professional roles. Our focus is on genuine career development, celebrating real growth and advancement rather than merely filling positions.
Q: What’s been your favourite part of working in marketing?
A: My favourite part has been the creativity & variety in my role. I didn’t have too much marketing knowledge prior to my role, so learning alongside my team, Tom and Shilpa, has been great, and they’ve shared so much knowledge that’s helped me build confidence and really enjoy the role!
Q: What are you most looking forward to as you continue onto your next apprenticeship?
A: I’m really looking forward to progressing onto my Marketing Executive apprenticeship and continuing to learn. I’m excited to take on more responsibility, build on what I’ve learned so far, and keep growing in confidence within the marketing team at MES.
Meet Maddie Wood
When Maddie Wood joined MES, she was an apprentice.
Today, she’s a Service Delivery Coordinator.
Apprenticeships aren’t just about qualifications – they’re about confidence, real experience and having people around you who want to see you succeed.
We’re proud to see our apprentices grow into roles that make a real difference to our business and our customers.
Q: How important is mentoring when you’re learning a role?
A: I think mentoring is really important Through mentoring, I was able to learn not just the tasks involved, but how to apply them effectively. My mentor trained and supported me to the point where I am now able to work independently in my role.
Q: What advice would you give someone starting an apprenticeship?
A: I would advise someone who is starting an apprenticeship to not overthink the amount of apprenticeship work there is as the workbooks fly by and you’ll receive all the help and support needed to complete them.
Meet Molly Nelson
Molly Nelson started her journey with MES, as an apprentice. Today, she’s a Sales Desk Administrator
Building strong teams starts with developing talent from the ground up — supporting real progression and meaningful careers along the way.
Q: What skill did you learn on the job that you still use today?
A: Time management and prioritisation. I learned how to juggle multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and adapt when priorities changed. These skills I still use every day to stay organised and work efficiently.
Q: What advice would you give someone starting an apprenticeship?
A: Stay curious, ask questions, and be willing to learn. An apprenticeship is about growth, so take feedback on board, stay organised, and use every experience as a chance to develop your skills and confidence.
Meet Dan Porter
Dan Porter joined MES as an apprentice. Today he is a Senior Administrator having just won the Accountability award group wide to recognise his exceptional work in line with Marlowe Environmental Services’ values. Dan was the first in a long line of apprentices 7 years ago, and the award he has just received is a fantastic reflection of that journey. It highlights what’s possible when talent is nurtured, skills are developed and people are given the chance to build lasting careers.
Q: Who/what helped you most early in your career?”
A: I joined as an apprentice with no prior office experience, only having previously worked in retail, and learned the most from my manager, Sam Harris, who taught me the ropes of how to navigate office culture, expectations, and day-to-day responsibilities!
Q: How important is mentoring when you’re learning a role?
A: Very important! I believe that how you’re supported while learning a role directly shapes your confidence and progress. Having been in that position myself, I now see the same growth in the apprentices I mentor, which motivates me to actively invest in their success.
Meet Izzy Edbrook
Izzy Edbrook joined MES as an apprentice. Today, she’s a Key Account Administrator
From apprentice to professional – growing our own talent has always taken a front seat. Real people, real progression and pride in developing careers not just filling roles
Q: What’s one thing you wish you’d known at the start of your career?
A: Something I wish I had known at the start of my career is that you can never ask too many questions. Asking questions is how we learn, grown and become more independent.
Q: Who/what helped you most early in your career?
A: Early in my career, my mentors Dan and Hannah supported me throughout my apprenticeship by helping with my monthly workbooks and providing guidance on my final project. My fellow apprentice, Maddie, was also a great support as we understood the process and helped each other with the work. I was very lucky to work with such supportive people.
Meet Lily Cleavely
Lily Cleaveley is currently four months into her apprenticeship and represents the latest chapter in our long tradition of developing home-grown talent. She’s already making great progress, learning the role and becoming a valued part of the team as she continues to grow and develop.
Q: What made you choose an apprenticeship?
A: Before starting my apprenticeship, I worked as a support assistant in education. I felt ready for a change in my career path and wanted to gain new experience, develop additional skills, and earn a qualification. I saw an apprenticeship as the ideal way to achieve these goals.
Q: What new skills have you developed already?
A: I have learnt many skills already; customer service, punctuality, responsibility, professional behaviour, and confidence. This is all due to answering client calls, daily office tasks and deadlines for my apprenticeship and professional emails I send out to colleagues and clients with support from my colleagues and manager.
Q: What’s surprised you about the role?
A: What surprised me most is how soon I was trusted to work independently and how much support my team and manager gave me
“National Apprenticeship Week is a great reminder of why apprenticeships matter – not just to businesses, but to people’s lives and careers. We’re proud of every apprentice who’s started their journey with MES and have grown into the professionals they are today. Home-grown talent is at the heart of our success, helping us embed strong values, a solid work ethic and a deep understanding of our business from day one. If you’re looking for a place to learn, grow and build a career – this could be your starting point! I have been honoured with the responsibility of running the apprenticeship scheme from day one and to watch these individuals’ journeys develop over the years”.
Sam Harris
General Manager – Corporate Services
