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The BIG Apprentice Survey 2027 - Coming Soon

25/09/2026

The BIG Apprentice Survey 2027, opening Autumn 2026, the UK's largest independent apprentice voice survey.The UK’s largest independent apprentice voice survey

More than 4,500 apprentices contributed to AoA’s BIG Apprentice Survey last year, creating one of the UK’s most comprehensive sources of insight into the apprentice experience. The findings provided valuable evidence for employers, training providers, awarding organisations and policymakers, highlighting the factors that contribute to successful apprenticeship experiences and positive outcomes. Findings were published in The BIG Apprentice Survey Report 2026.
 
This autumn, the Association of Apprentices will once again invite apprentices across the UK to share their experiences, perspectives and aspirations through The BIG Apprentice Survey.
 
The findings will be published in The BIG Apprentice Survey Report 2027 during National Apprenticeship Week 2027, helping to inform conversations about apprenticeship policy, practice and support across the sector.
 

Putting apprentice voices at the centre

The BIG Apprentice Survey exists to ensure apprentices have an opportunity to influence the future of apprenticeships. By capturing apprentice perspectives at scale, the survey helps organisations better understand what is working well, where challenges remain and what changes could have the greatest impact on apprentice experiences and outcomes.
 
From progression and workplace support to wellbeing and long-term career development, the findings provide practical insight that can support improvement across the apprenticeship system.
 

Support The BIG Apprentice Survey 2027

Employers, training providers and apprenticeship awarding organisations all have an important role to play in ensuring apprentice voices are heard.
When the survey opens, we encourage organisations to:
  • Share the survey with apprentices across your organisation or learner network.
  • Promote participation through internal communications, learner bulletins and apprentice communities.
  • Encourage apprentices to take part and share their honest experiences.
  • Help raise awareness of the survey across your professional networks.
  • Support the development of a stronger evidence base for apprenticeships across the UK.
Every response helps build a clearer picture of the apprentice experience and strengthens the collective voice of apprentices nationwide.

 

Insights from The BIG Apprentice Survey 2026

Last year’s survey and this year’s report highlighted several important themes:
  • Career progression is now the most valued aspect of the apprenticeship experience.
  • Strong support from employers and line managers is closely associated with positive outcomes.
  • Inclusive workplaces are linked to greater progression and long-term stability. 
  • Apprentices continue to demonstrate a strong commitment to improving the apprenticeship system and contributing to future solutions.

Survey launch updates

The BIG Apprentice Survey 2027 will open in Autumn 2026.
 
This page will be updated with survey links, promotional resources and guidance to help organisations encourage participation.

Together, we can ensure apprentice voices continue to inform and strengthen the future of apprenticeships.

 

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.