Building a creative, in-house marketing function through apprenticeships
Like many growing SMEs, West Country Water Park had experimented with different marketing approaches. At times outsourcing, at times bringing marketing in-house, but without a consistent creative presence, engagement often dipped.
The team had previously seen strong results when marketing was driven by someone inside the business who genuinely understood the environment, the customers, and the energy of the space. They wanted to recreate that dynamic in a sustainable way.
Why an apprentice
After learning more about apprenticeships through local networking, the West Country Water Park team explored how an apprentice could fit into the business in a meaningful way.
What stood out about Pro Apprenticeships was the recruitment-led approach. Rather than a one-size-fits-all solution, the focus was on finding someone who genuinely matched the culture, pace, and personality of the business.
Maddy was recruited as a Marketing Apprentice, bringing creativity, enthusiasm, and a clear interest in social media and visual content.
The impact so far
Just weeks into the role, Maddy has already taken ownership of real projects across the business.
She has supported on-site marketing through posters and displays, contributed ideas for social media content, and brought fresh energy into areas that previously struggled to gain momentum.
One standout example was the end-of-season sale. Historically, this had been delayed and difficult to organise. Maddy took responsibility for the project, from stock presentation to signage and layout, helping the team move faster and with more confidence.
Her presence has also allowed the business to start focusing on growth areas such as corporate team-building experiences, showcasing spaces and activities that had previously been under-promoted.
Apprentice experience
For Maddy, the apprenticeship offered a tailored route into marketing without the pressure of university.
The smooth recruitment process and ongoing support gave her the confidence to relocate to Bristol and settle quickly into both the role and the team.
Being able to learn marketing theory alongside hands-on experience has helped her understand what makes content engaging, how to improve performance, and how to develop her skills in a real business environment.
Looking ahead
With Maddy embedded in the team, West Country Water Park is well positioned to strengthen its digital presence, grow awareness of its corporate offerings, and bring consistency to its marketing output.
The apprenticeship has provided the business with a motivated team member who is growing alongside the organisation, while giving Maddie a clear pathway to develop her career in marketing.
Advice for other employers
For West Country Water Park, the key value of the apprenticeship has been finding the right person and supporting them properly.
Having someone in-house who understands the brand, the environment, and the customers has made a tangible difference, and the structured training alongside day-to-day work has created a strong foundation for long-term growth.
