Drover’s Rest — Growing Confidence, Creativity, and Bookings Through a Marketing Apprenticeship

The Journey

Kesri recruited Lola — a bright and ambitious candidate who already had a little hands-on marketing experience but was eager to formalise her skills and gain qualifications.

“Lola had energy, creativity, and a willingness to learn,” said Kesri. “She was the perfect fit for our business.”

Starting her apprenticeship in 2024, Lola immediately began to develop both professionally and personally. Through structured training, mentoring, and practical projects, she not only learned marketing theory but also how to apply it strategically to real-world challenges.

Lola said:

“I’d worked in marketing before, but this apprenticeship helped me start from the foundations and build my knowledge properly. I’ve learned about brand positioning, audience understanding, and different marketing channels — things I didn’t even know existed before!”

Supported by her coach and the team at Drover’s Rest, Lola quickly became a key part of the marketing function. She began taking the lead on creative campaigns, planning photoshoots, and experimenting with new approaches to social media and event marketing.

One project in particular stood out — a mixed culture photoshoot campaign that Lola helped to organise from start to finish. The campaign was a huge success, celebrating inclusivity and creativity while driving visibility for Drover’s Rest across its digital channels.

The Results

Since Lola joined, Drover’s Rest has seen a measurable uplift in engagement and awareness across its marketing channels. The business has grown its event bookings significantly for the following year, thanks in part to the fresh creative energy and marketing consistency that Lola brought to the team.

“We’ve seen a real difference in the awareness stage of our marketing,” Kesri said. “The ideas Lola brought from her training were directly reflected in how we approached our social media, content, and events — and we saw the impact almost immediately.”

Beyond marketing outcomes, the apprenticeship journey also delivered powerful personal growth.

“Lola’s confidence has absolutely skyrocketed,” Kesri continued. “She’s developed initiative, communication, and problem-solving skills that have made her an invaluable part of the business.”

The Partnership

Throughout the apprenticeship, Kesri and Lola felt fully supported by TMT’s coaching and training team.

“It really felt like we had a team around us,” Kesri shared. “The Marketing Trainer were always there if we needed anything, and the training linked perfectly with what Lola was doing day-to-day.”

The collaboration also gave Kesri new insights into her team’s development needs. While Drover’s Rest is now exploring additional administrative support for the business, Kesri says she would “absolutely work with The Marketing Trainer again” when the time is right to bring another marketing apprentice on board.

The Outcome

• Lola achieved Distinction in her Level 3 Multi-Channel Marketer Apprenticeship
• Lola also achieved Distinction in her CIM Foundation Certificate in Marketing
• Drover’s Rest saw a marked improvement in marketing communication and engagement
• Event bookings for the following year increased significantly
• Lola developed lasting confidence, initiative, and professional capability

Final Words from Kesri:

“The apprenticeship gave us so much more than we expected — not just marketing results, but real growth for Lola as a person. It’s been a brilliant experience from start to finish.”