Welcome to the Association of Apprentices

We work with UK apprentices & organisations to enhance the apprentice experience. By maximising potential & providing a community of likeminded peers, we improve the pathway to completion.

Discover the benefits

Apprentices

For current and recently completed apprentices

Partnerships

For organisations interested in bolstering their apprenticeship offer

AoA gives me the opportunity to connect with other apprentices and for us to learn from each other’s experiences. It can be difficult to access resources specifically for apprentices, but this platform brings everything together.

Essential Guides for Newly-Recruited Apprentices and their Line-Managers

Whether you’re a newly recruited apprentice eager to excel in your new role or a line-manager responsible for guiding and nurturing apprentices, these guides are here for your support.

From understanding the expectations of your role, to honing your communication skills, the guides will equip you with the tools you need to thrive. Discover how to make the most of the apprentice experience from the very first day.

Both guides are crafted by experienced professionals who understand the unique dynamics of apprenticeships. 

The apprentice guide is free and available to all. An abridged version of the Line Managers of apprentices’ guide is available for the general public. The full version is exclusively for partners. To find out more about partnerships click here.

Apprentices' Guide
Refreshed for 2024-2025
Line Managers' Guide 2024-2025
Abridged version

Access to the Association of Apprentices provides...

Community

Apprentices join a community of peers and colleagues.

Personal Development

AoA Learn increases employability, soft skills, and pastoral care.

News

Get the industry news you need to know

Apprenticeships: Pathway to Success produced by ITN Business

A programme produced by ITN Business in partnership with UCAS and ScaleUp Institute launched during National Apprenticeship Week 2024.
 
An apprenticeship can be a gateway to a life-long career but is also an opportunity for upskilling or retraining.

Apprenticeships: Pathway to Success, presented by Warren Nettleford, looks at the opportunities available, best practice support from employers and speak to apprentices across a variety of sectors. It will featuring insightful films from B&Q, DHL Supply Chain, Gowling WLG, Marks and Spencer, NFRC and WTW.
With Thanks to Our Founding Partners

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Jan Richardson-Wilde

CEO, Occupational Awards Limited

Jan is the CEO of Occupational Awards Limited, a Director of the National Skills Academy for Food and Drink and an FE College Governor. She has over 35 years’ experience in the education sector in strategic and operational management of training programmes with colleges, private training providers, local authorities the voluntary sector and not for profit organisations. Jan has previously been a board member of the Learning and Skills Council, chair of the North Yorkshire Training Provider network and Vice-Chair of Yorkshire Coast College and a Governor of the Grimsby Institute for Further and Higher Education. She has extensive experience of education policy, apprenticeships, qualification, and curriculum development as well as business improvement.

Jan joined OAL in 2019, a leading non-profit industry-focused Awarding and End-Point Assessment Organisation, supporting a wide range of employers and of key stakeholders to succeed and surpass expectations. Jan is committed to continuous improvement and enthusiastic about improving the effectiveness, impact and quality of apprenticeships, education, and training in the UK and internationally. She has a wide range of experience of working in a collaborative context with employers and training providers to develop End Point Assessment, apprenticeships, and a wide range of vocational programmes.

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