Our work is led by our amazing Council of current and recent apprentices. They bring a wealth of personal experience and knowledge to guide decisions about the Association’s strategy and focus.
Click on a member of the Leadership Council below to find out more about them.
L3 Rail Engineering, Network Rail
My name is Adelaja Aladejobi (Ade). I have MSc, BSc in Logistics and supply chain management and Economic statistic. I have an acumen of various industry for over 15 years industrial experience. After a career change, I decided to join Network Rail on apprenticeship Level 3 Rail Engineering because I believe university won’t give me the technical skills, behaviour and knowledge required to achieve my goals as a railway maintenance technician engineer. It was a major mind opener and a career path I will always encourage others to follows.
L6 Business Transformation Degree Apprentice, Deloitte
Three years ago Harrison knew very little about apprenticeships, now he is enrolled onto one of the top apprenticeships in the UK and sits on the council for the AoA – a testament that if you want to, you can and that is what apprenticeships are about. Set yourself up and propel your life forward through an apprenticeship.
Apprenticeships allow you to understand how the world works and for Harrison, that is invaluable. Whilst the education, salary, and other benefits are great, the real value is derived from your early exposure into the working world which enables you to grasp the unspoken laws of working life; how to present yourself, converse, and develop maturity. Harrison is in his third year of four on the Deloitte Business Transformation Degree Apprenticeship and through this he has joined the AoA council to relay the skills and understandings he has developed so far.
Previously Harrison sat on the Student Governor board of Unloc, a non-profit that helps students find their voices within further education colleges. Harrison is passionate about social mobility.
Aside from work Harrison loves to eat, travel, talk, and walk.
L6 Chartered Business Manager Degree Apprentice, Moore Networking Ltd
Apprenticeships must run through my blood at this point. I have been working in the apprenticeships, employment and careers sector for 9 years now, starting off as an Advanced Apprentice Youth Worker at Norfolk County Council in 2015, completing in 2017. I started to develop a passion for apprenticeships during my time as Member of Youth Parliament for Norwich South (2014-2016), as the two campaign areas I was focused on was Mental Health in young people and Youth Employment. I was never informed about apprenticeships in school or sixth form, so I wanted to boost apprenticeship knowledge across education. The apprenticeship I then moved into gave me the perfect platform to continue doing this, aiming to go above and beyond where I could.
I have a strong passion developing apprenticeship programmes. This includes supporting/mentoring other apprentices, supporting organisations to develop apprenticeship programmes, and ensuring quality runs throughout. I work for a not-for-profit Flexi-Job Apprenticeship Agency, working with 30+ training providers to ensure quality is maintained, influencing Government/future Government policies, and working with Local Government on community projects. I am the East of England Co-Chair for the Apprenticeship Ambassador Network, and I am now delighted to be on the AoA Council. What an amazing tool and platform for apprentices!
I am over the moon to have received recognition as AAC National Apprenticeship Champion of the Year 2024, NAS Apprenticeship Champion of the Year for the East in 2023 and Apprentice Youth Worker of the Year 2017, as well as leading a company to 3 awards. These are all experiences I hope to support others in achieving in the future.
In my spare time, I love spending time with family and friends, exploring and adventuring new places. I coach tennis part time, and still play it too.
Level 5 Coaching Professional, Liberty Specialty Markets
With over 35 years of work experience in a multitude of industries, starting out as a PA Secretary and moving into the Project and Portfolio Management world in the early noughties, I imagined that this was going to be me done until retirement.
Having discovered that apprenticeships are not just for school leavers, but are available to all ages, I pursued my dream of becoming a coach by undertaking and passing an L5 apprenticeship as a Coaching Professional at the age of 54. This has enabled me to support colleagues in the Insurance industry in such areas as career development, goal setting, imposter syndrome, public speaking and time management. I am currently following this up with a CPD course in Team and Group coaching to extend my offering.
Alongside my day job of Data and Tooling Analyst in our technology space, I sit on two inclusion networks focusing on Cultural Awareness and Hidden Disabilities, including neurodiversity which enables me to gain a greater understanding in these areas whilst supporting colleagues and the company’s DEI values.
In my ‘spare’ time I am a carer for my elderly mother and enjoy spending time with friends and pursuing my enjoyment of good food and wine.
L6 Chartered Management Degree Apprentice, Kantar
Hi, my name is Simran and I am a Level 6 Business Management Degree Apprentice at Kantar. I am in my second year of my apprenticeship, completing my current rotation in operations following my previous rotation in client services. This apprenticeship has offered me the opportunity to work towards gaining a degree whilst being able to learn invaluable skills and knowledge through my different rotations at work. Additionally, it has given me the chance to meet loads of people along the way. I am passionate about inspiring and encouraging others to undertake apprenticeships, with the many benefits they have to offer, and look forward to contributing to AoA!
L4 Project Management, Via East Midlands
Bilaal started medical school but concluded that Medicine wasn’t for him. Deciding to volunteer and work in the third sector, the skills he developed during this year at a food bank, a clothes bank, two non-profits, and a charity where he ran a branch, led to his successful application at Via, a highways and civil engineering company owned by Nottinghamshire County Council. Here, in the public and private sector, he upholds the values that drove his third sector experiences within his projects, whilst applying his analytical approach to problem-solving.
Bilaal is also a Mental Health First Aider and led the relaunch of Via’s mental health initiatives. His current main project is implementing drones and he has a specific remit for empowering colleagues across the company to initiate change for the better through a structured staff suggestion scheme. Speaking to parliamentarians during his 11th week as an apprentice, Bilaal identified challenges that aspiring apprentices face and aims to tackle this with AoA. Bilaal enjoys playing Ultimate Frisbee in his free time having improved his throw during the pandemic.
L6 Housing Policy and Practice Degree Apprentice, Flagship Group
Jasmine didn’t receive much information about apprenticeships when she was at school but decided it was the right path for her as it allowed her to gain hands-on experience in the workplace while gaining a degree. She is a passionate advocate for apprenticeships and inspiring others to undertake an apprenticeship. As a sub-regional chair for the Young Apprentice Ambassador Network, she has spoken about apprenticeships at a number of careers events and recorded multiple podcasts. Jasmine enjoys socialising with her friends and bottomless brunching at the weekends, as well as long dog walks with her cockapoo.
Level 4 Software Developer, Colchester Teacher Training Consortium
I always knew I wanted to earn while I learn in which field I was not sure. However, I knew I did have a passion for IT and fixing things!
I have a strong passion for showing newly joined apprentices my experiences of my apprenticeship, as well as showing the day to day life of what it’s like to step straight into work after school!
In my spare time I do really enjoy going out with my mates and socializing, especially escape rooms! I really do like them, they are very interesting and are a great brain teaser!
I do think AoA is a great tool for apprentices, to not only connect but the platform also offers a great insight into shared experiences of what people have gone through during their time as an apprentice!
L7 Solicitor Degree Apprentice, Weightmans
Ironically, I owe a lot to the pandemic – it pushed me into a gap year that gave me plenty of time to research and think about my career. Despite being branded as destined to just go to University, I have always had a special affinity for degree apprenticeships, as they simply provide opportunities and maximise learning in ways that other routes do not. For this reason, I am passionate about the promotion and accessibility of apprenticeships, as well as dispelling myths and misconceptions surrounding them. I strongly believe that the work of the Association of Apprentices to plug the gap in the social side of our route to strengthen the existing network and assemble our ideas is invaluable.
Furthermore, I am an ambassador for Liverpool City Region ‘Be More’, overseen by the North-West Apprentice Ambassador Network, and a Diversity and Inclusion champion at my firm. Aside from work, University, and other commitments, you will most likely find me out for dinner with friends or shopping at Zara.
L6 Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprentice, Arup
Hannah started working at Arup at age 16 and completed a Level 3 Software Development Technician Apprenticeship. She is now in her fourth year of the Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship at Manchester Metropolitan University and is specialising in Data Analytics.
She is proud to be a STEM Ambassador who promotes STEM and apprenticeships to young people through outreach projects. Through her work she aims to inspire young people and encourage them to consider apprenticeships and careers in STEM. She often speaks to teachers and students about her career journey, the different careers in STEM and the benefits of apprenticeships.
She was appointed as Arup’s Early Career Representative’s Apprenticeship Lead and works closely with the Early Careers team to improve the experience of apprentices at Arup and advocate for apprentices.
L6 Software Engineering Apprentice, Thales
When she finished college, Emma wanted to gain workplace experience immediately, so an apprenticeship suited her perfectly. She enjoys the many opportunities the apprenticeship has given her and looks forward to what’s to come as she feels her apprenticeship could lead her into a number of routes in the future.
She is a Greater Manchester Apprentice Ambassador and part of the YAAN. She is also a Digital Her role model for Manchester Digital, encouraging young women into digital careers. In her free time, Emma scrapbooks to wind down and plays a variety of games, sometimes with friends and family. It’s reported that her favourite is The Sims!
Level 6 Register Nurse Degree Apprentice, Great Ormond Street Hospital
My name is Dhimple and I am a Register Nurse Degree Apprentice (Child Branch – 4 year program) with BPP University. I have worked a Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) for Children for 14 years with most of my time specialising cross the Cardiology services. I currently work as Ventricular Assist Device (VAD/mechanical heart) Specialist Senior Associate Carer. I am currently a second-year apprentice about to start my sixth ward placement on the cancer and leukaemia ward for children at GOSH.
My active roles as a Diversity Ambassador, Apprenticeship Champion and Student Voice for the School of Nursing at BPP all allow me to be an advocate for my peers and work closely with program leaders to improve learner experience. I regularly partake in numerous focus groups/boards such as the Education & Standards Committee and Students’ Association Board of Governors to improve the apprenticeship experience as part of my ambassador duties at BPP University. I’m also the President & Founder of BPP Nursing Society London. As a passionate and committed individual this apprenticeship has given me a chance to achieve my goal of becoming a paediatric nurse at GOSH. I am an enthusiastic learner and the apprenticeship is a great opportunity for me to learn new skills and develop further on my existing skill set and deep-rooted passion for nursing. I strive to make a positive difference in all that I apply myself to.
L3 IT Azure Cloud Specialist Technician, AQA
Hi, I’m Maya, and I work in tech at AQA Education, where I work in a large variation of projects across the organisation. I began my career as an apprentice over a year ago, which has given me a strong foundation in technology and allowed me to understand what I want to niche down into in the future.
For the past four years, I’ve also volunteered as a teacher and mentor, which has shown me how valuable guidance and support can be in helping others reach their potential. This passion for mentoring is something I hope to bring into my role on the AoA Apprentice Council.
Outside of work, I enjoy sports, travelling, and baking. In the long term, I hope to bring together my skills in technology, my passion for helping others, and my interest in business to build a career that makes a positive impact. I hope to be able to use AoA to meet new people, explore as many opportunities as possible, while continuing to growing both personally and professionally.
L4 Financial Markets Apprentice, Standard Chartered
After completing my A levels in June 2022, I started my apprenticeship journey at Standard Chartered in August 2022 working in Financial Markets.
A year into working at the bank, my qualification changed and I began a completely new apprenticeship. I had no idea what to expect which is when I discovered the Association of Apprentices! I attended a networking event and was so encouraged by the amount of apprentices working across various industries that shared relatable experiences and helpful advice. The resources on AoA Connect really helped me to better understand the apprenticeship process and also allowed me to help my peers.
Thanks to AoA, I learned to enjoy my apprenticeship even more and have had amazing opportunities as a result of being a member. I am now two years in the sector and a year into my qualification, soon to be a completed apprentice!
I love that AoA brings apprentices together from all of the country and across so many different industries. I am a huge advocate for apprenticeships, I want as many people as possible to have access to the amazing opportunities I’ve been lucky enough to be given and I’m really fortunate to be able to further my ambassadorial work with AoA. Apprenticeships have come a long way but there’s always room for improvement and I hope I can be a part of changing them for the better. I’m so excited to be a part of the council and contribute towards the fantastic work they have already done. Most importantly, I’m really looking forward to connecting with the community!
L4 Associate Project Manager, Lumi and Lumiere
A multi-award-winning leader with a legacy of transforming apprenticeships, education, and talent programs on a global scale. I’ve championed diversity, inclusion, and strategic innovation across industries, guiding thousands of individuals towards meaningful careers and impacting organisations at the highest levels. As a forward-thinking Global Head of Apprenticeships and Talent Programs, I’ve not only developed and implemented national standards but also pioneered projects that have earned multiple Royal Awards and recognition for excellence in education and workforce development.
Throughout my career, I’ve held pivotal roles as a Consultant, Apprenticeship Ambassador, Policy Advisor, NED, Board Member and Trailblazer Chair, leading the charge in shaping future skills strategies. I’m passionate about driving systemic change through collaboration and advocacy, ensuring that apprenticeships and talent development programs remain accessible, diverse, and high-impact.
With a wealth of experience managing cross-sector teams, influencing policy, and designing future-proof workforce solutions, I am committed to making a lasting difference. I am eager to explore new opportunities where I can continue to lead, innovate, and mentor the next generation of talent and organisational leaders.
Let’s connect to create impactful change and build a future where everyone has access to opportunities that empower them to thrive.
L3 Technician Engineering Apprentice, Network Rail
My name is Sebastian, and I am currently a Rail Management Engineer Apprentice with Network Rail, specialising in Technical Engineering for Rail Infrastructure and Track Maintenance. Before joining the rail industry, I founded Sebo Media and taught myself Final Cut Pro X, Premier Pro, Photoshop, and After Effects.
I also hold an NVQ in Digital Marketing, with experience in planning and optimising digital strategies and social media campaigns. I contributed to the Bridge Street Development Memorial project with Peterborough City Council and helped set up an Education Centre in Mumbai. As a Council member and Events Ambassador for the Association of Apprentices (AoA), I work to enhance AoA events and empower apprentices.
In my free time, I enjoy mountain biking, wakeboarding, building Lego, traveling, and indulging in fine red wine and tequila.
L6 Applied Professional Engineering, Jaguar Land Rover
I’m an award-winning degree apprentice at JLR in APEP Electrical and Electronics Engineering, working as a Propulsion Engineer. Alongside my role on the council, I mentor and tutor students in different communities reach their potential, but I have a heightened interest in engineering and technology so that’s the industries you will see me talking about most.
As a council member I hope to raise engagement and help the people with the quietest volume in a room be heard. Because their voices matter most!
L4 Project Manager, Royal Mail
My career journey began with a BSc in Yacht Manufacturing at university, but I quickly realised that the degree alone didn’t equip me for the kind of role I aspired to. Seeking a more hands-on and structured path, I joined Royal Mail and completed both Level 2 and Level 3 Apprenticeships, gaining practical experience and a strong foundation of transferable skills.
These experiences sparked a passion for Project Management, which I pursued further by completing a Level 4 Apprenticeship in partnership with the Association for Project Management (APM). This qualification was instrumental in helping me progress into a Senior role in Commercial Product Deployment, and later transition into Product Design.
Towards the end of my apprenticeship, I discovered the Association of Apprentices. While I was fortunate to be part of a supportive cohort, connecting with apprentices who had already completed their programmes and End Point Assessments (EPA) provided invaluable insights. Their experiences helped me prepare effectively and confidently for the final stages of my own journey.
L7 Accounting and Taxation Apprentice, via London
Sunny currently works in the Corporate Taxation Consultancy team, advising private multinational companies on transactions, mergers, acquisitions, and daily operations whilst studying for both the ACA and the CTA. Sunny previously worked in Assurance in the Banking and Capital Markets division of EY mainly specialising in investment banking and primes trading clients.
Externally, Sunny made history as the first Chinese and youngest Chair of the Chartered Accountants Student Society of London (CASSL) in 150 years (which represents the 7000+ ACA students in London), earning the prestigious PQ Award within a year and another PQ Award in his subsequent term.
Sunny is featured in The Accountant and PQ magazine and has shared his perspectives on social mobility and ESG in podcasts with ICAEW, ITV, Accountancy Hub and Apprentago. Sunny was also the winner of the Investors in People ‘Young person of the year award’. Sunny is committed to driving positive change and fostering inclusive growth.
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.
