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Masterclass August 2026
Register Here

07/08/2026 – Online (Livestream)

Join the Association of Apprentices for this month’s Masterclass of the Month: Future You: Building Your Brand — a thought-provoking and practical session designed to help you define your identity, understand your value and shape your future career with intention.
 
In this live, interactive 90-minute masterclass, you’ll explore how to build a personal brand that reflects who you are, not just the role you currently hold. Using the concept of Ikigai—your “reason for being”—you’ll gain a clearer sense of direction and learn how to align your strengths, interests and values with meaningful opportunities.
 
During the session, you will learn how to:
  • Understand the difference between your job and your wider purpose
  • Identify your strengths, values and passions to shape your personal brand
  • Align your interests with career opportunities and future pathways
  • Explore side projects and development opportunities that support your growth
  • Build confidence by communicating your value authentically
  • Attract opportunities by consistently demonstrating your personal brand
You will also have the opportunity to learn through practical activities, real-life examples, and discussions with apprentices from across the UK.
 
Meet your host: Juliana Smith CITP MBCS, Project Controls Manager at Turner & Townsend, is a multi-award-winning data and reporting expert with over 15 years of experience. With a background in physical oceanography, Juliana specialises in turning complex information into clear, accessible insights, empowering individuals to better understand and communicate their impact.
This session supports the development of key Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs), including self-awareness, communication, career development and professional identity. It can also contribute towards your off-the-job training or continuing professional development.
 
Reserve your place today and take a meaningful step towards shaping your future with confidence.

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.