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Promotional banner for “The BIG Apprentice Connect: London” by the Association of Apprentices. The image shows three apprentices walking in a London street setting. The event is free for UK apprentices with limited availability and focuses on networking and skills development through talks. It takes place at the Walkie Talkie building (21st floor) on Thursday 8 October 2026 from 4pm to 7pm. Sponsored by Liberty Specialty Markets, with partner organisation logos displayed along the bottom.
Register Here

The BIG Apprentice Connect: London – Flagship Networking & Development Event

08/10/2026 – In person (London)

Join the Association of Apprentices for The BIG Apprentice Connect: London — an exclusive in-person event bringing apprentices together from across industries for an evening of networking, inspiration and development.
 
Taking place at the iconic Walkie Talkie building, this flagship event creates a space for apprentices to connect with their peer community, share experiences and learn from expert speakers in a dynamic and supportive environment.
Throughout the evening, you’ll have the opportunity to expand your network, gain fresh perspectives and build skills that support your growth during and beyond your apprenticeship.
 
What to expect:
  • Opportunities to network with apprentices from a wide range of sectors and industries
  • Inspiring talks from expert speakers to support your development
  • Informal discussions and idea-sharing in a relaxed setting
  • Refreshments and social networking throughout the evening
Event schedule:
  • 16:00 – 18:00: Welcome drinks, networking and expert speaker sessions
  • 18:00 onwards: Informal networking and refreshments
This event is exclusively for apprentices — whether you are currently on programme or have recently completed one, you’ll be joining a community of like-minded individuals focused on learning, growth and connection. Open to both members and non-members, you can register using the link below.
 
With only 90 free places available, this is a unique opportunity to experience a premium London venue while investing in your development.
 
Sponsored by Liberty Specialty Markets, the event highlights the value placed on apprenticeship growth and community across sectors.
 
This session supports the development of key Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs), including communication, professional networking, confidence and personal development. It can also contribute towards your off-the-job training or continuing professional development.
 
📸 Please note: Photography will take place during the event. If you would prefer not to be included, you can inform a member of staff on arrival.
Register Here

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.