A mechanical engineering apprentice at Yamazaki Mazak has taken home a gold medal for Great Britain in her very first senior appearance at an international archery tournament.
Emelia Hughes, 19, who is currently undertaking a Level 3 mechanical engineering and manufacturing apprenticeship at Mazak’s European Manufacturing Plant in Worcester, won the gold medal alongside teammate Johnny Smart in the recurve mixed team category at the 2025 Veronica’s Cup in Slovenia, in May 2025.
It was Emelia’s senior debut for Team GB after a distinguished junior career that began in 2022 at the European Youth Cup in Romania.
Having first picked up a bow and arrow at Warwick Castle while recovering from a knee operation in her early teens, Emelia quickly developed a passion for archery. This led to her joining a local club in Droitwich before entering the GB Archery Pathway Scheme in 2021 and making regular appearances for Team GB on both the European and World youth circuits.
Emelia commented: “I am absolutely delighted to have performed so well in my first senior competition and never thought I’d be coming away with a gold medal. I had great support from my coaches, my family, and of course my teammate Johnny. However, I’ve also been given plenty of encouragement and flexibility from Mazak to pursue my passion, for which I’m very grateful.”
Her success on the archery range emulates a burgeoning career in manufacturing, which also saw Emelia crowned Advanced Level Apprentice of the Year at the 2024 Worcestershire Apprenticeship Awards in December. She is currently stationed on Mazak’s QUICK TURN CNC turning centre line in Worcester, which has proved both an engaging and rewarding starting point in her engineering journey at one of the Midlands’ most advanced manufacturing facilities.
Looking to the future, Emelia’s ambitions show no sign of abating, both on and off the range. She adds: “I’m due to finish my apprenticeship in September and I hope to quicky move onto a degree apprenticeship. When it comes to archery, while it’s early days, I would love to make some more senior appearances for Team GB and ultimately put myself in the frame for the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.”
Karen Buckley, Outreach and Future Talent Manager at Yamazaki Mazak, said: “Everyone at Mazak is so proud of what Emelia has achieved. Winning a gold medal on your senior debut is no mean feat and it is just another example of the skill, commitment and determination that Emelia has become well known for here in Worcester. We very much look forward to watching her continue to succeed, both on the international archery stage and closer to home in her professional qualifications.”
For more information on Mazak’s range of apprenticeships, please visit: https://www.mazak.com/uk-en/careers/.
