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Masterclass of the month coming soon
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The Association of Apprentices is delighted to invite you to our May 2025 Masterclass –

Mind Matters: Striking the Perfect Work-Life Balance

Fri, May 16, 2025 at 12:00pm – 1:30pm BST
 

 During this month’s masterclass, which takes place in Mental Health Awareness Week, the focus is placed on achieving an optimal work-life balance while cultivating a growth-oriented mindset.

These inspiring virtual masterclasses are designed just for our AoA members, offering you unique insights and practical skills to help you excel in your apprenticeship journey. Join us to unlock your full potential, gain fresh perspectives, and build the confidence to tackle any challenge. Don’t miss this opportunity to grow, learn, and connect with experts and peers who are as committed to success as you are.

Join our this 90 minute masterclass to unlock your potential and transform your approach to personal and professional development:

  • Discover the powerful principles of a growth mindset.
  • Engage in dynamic, reflective activities that challenge your current thinking.
  • Learn practical strategies to reframe obstacles as opportunities.
  • Develop resilience and adaptability in your personal and professional life.

Meet you host Barbara Van der Eecken, Consultant and Strategic Partner from The Pacific Institute.

Barbara has over 30 years of experience in the Further Education and Skills sector. Her journey has taken her through Colleges, Adult Education, Independent Training Providers, and Universities. Initially, she spent 15 years as a dedicated lecturer and assessor and as her career evolved, she assumed various senior leadership roles, covering diverse provision and delivery types. Her areas of expertise include strategic leadership, governance, quality assurance, and improvement. Barbara’s work seamlessly aligns with the Education and Training Foundation (ETF) Professional Standards.

Barbara’s passion lies in developing individuals, educators, managers and senior leaders. She believes that thriving professionals lead to thriving organisations. Leveraging her extensive network and deep understanding of growth mindset, Barbara guides individuals and businesses toward success. She employs powerful diagnostic tools to set clear goals and drive progress. Curiosity, collaboration, action and reflection form the cornerstone of her approach.

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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