Sophia Ibrahim

Apprenticeships: Unlocking Opportunities

‘Apprenticeships: Unlocking Opportunities’ a news-style programme with ITN Business and UCAS

Association of Apprentices, News /

Today marks a significant milestone in the world of apprenticeships as we celebrate the launch of an innovative news-style programme, “Apprenticeship: Unlocking Opportunities.” This groundbreaking initiative, unveiled during National Apprenticeship Week, is the result of a collaborative effort between ITN Business, the Association of Apprentices for the fourth consecutive year, and UCAS.

‘Apprenticeships: Unlocking Opportunities’ a news-style programme with ITN Business and UCAS Read More »

Investing in apprenticeships: The path to a dedicated and cohesive workforce

Association of Apprentices, News /

By offering structured training, mentorship, and clear career development pathways, employers can reduce turnover, foster long-term commitment, and build a dedicated workforce. In fact, a report by the Skills Funding Agency found that 80 per cent of companies investing in apprenticeships experienced an increase in staff retention.

Investing in apprenticeships: The path to a dedicated and cohesive workforce 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.