Sophia Ibrahim

Cover of the Association of Apprentices 2026 Impact Report, highlighting support for over 65,000 apprentices since 2020 and featuring a panel discussion alongside founding partner logos.

AoA Publishes 2026 Impact Report, Highlighting a Year of Growth, Influence and Impact

Covering the period 1 May 2025 to 30 April 2026, AoA’s latest Impact Report showcases growth to 65,000+ members, 680,000 learning activities completed, 4,503 apprentice voices captured through the BIG Apprentice Survey, and the launch of our new 2026–2030 strategy.

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Promotional graphic for The Big Apprenticeship Thank You 2026, powered by Lifetime Training. The image features the campaign title and logos of supporting brands including Pret, Tesco, Gymshark, Greene King, Hilton, Nando’s, Prezzo, Wingstop, Wells & Co., Mitchells & Butlers, Marston’s, GLL and TOTUM+. Text reads ‘Supported by’ at the bottom, highlighting partner collaboration

The Big Apprenticeship Thank You Returns for 2026 – Here’s How You Can Get Involved

Discover The Big Apprenticeship Thank You 2026, returning for National Apprenticeship Week with exclusive rewards for apprentices including free Pret coffee, £5 Prezzo pizza and prize draws. Registration opens 1 December via the Association of Apprentices.

The Big Apprenticeship Thank You Returns for 2026 – Here’s How You Can Get Involved Read More »

Photo of Lindsay (left) and Emily (right)

Association of Apprentices Announces Lindsay Conroy as New CEO to Lead Next Phase of Growth

The Association of Apprentices (AoA) has announced the appointment of Lindsay Conroy as its new Chief Executive Officer, as part of a planned leadership transition. Current CEO Emily Rock, who has established AoA as the national voice for apprentices, will work closely with Lindsay until January 2026 to ensure a smooth handover. The change marks an exciting new chapter of growth and influence for the organisation.

Association of Apprentices Announces Lindsay Conroy as New CEO to Lead Next Phase of Growth Read More »

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.