The Association of Apprentices provides further opportunities for our apprentices to create external networks, peer to peer learning and personal and career development - enriching their experience as an apprentice and beyond.”
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.
Emily Rock delivers crucial apprentice perspectives to Education Select Committee, ensuring those most impacted by skills policy have their experiences heard.
Today marks a significant milestone in the world of apprenticeships as we celebrate the launch of an innovative news-style programme, “Apprenticeship: Unlocking Opportunities.” This groundbreaking initiative, unveiled during National Apprenticeship Week, is the result of a collaborative effort between ITN Business, the Association of Apprentices for the fourth consecutive year, and UCAS.
By offering structured training, mentorship, and clear career development pathways, employers can reduce turnover, foster long-term commitment, and build a dedicated workforce. In fact, a report by the Skills Funding Agency found that 80 per cent of companies investing in apprenticeships experienced an increase in staff retention.
Despite the current consultations, debates, and discussions about proposed skills and apprenticeship policy, apprentices are not as actively involved as they should be.
This op-ed piece by Emily Rock, CEO of the Association of Apprentices, was originally published in FE Week on January 31, 2025.
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.
