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 »
The BIG Apprentice Survey 2025 is now open, giving apprentices across the UK the chance to shape the future of apprenticeships. Last year, over 2,000 apprentices shared their insights. This year, we’re aiming even higher.
The BIG Apprentice Survey 2025 Read More »
In a heartfelt farewell, Emily Rock reflects on her journey building the Association of Apprentices into a thriving 50,000-strong community, as she prepares to hand over leadership to incoming CEO Lindsay Conroy in January.
A Personal Message from Emily Rock: Stepping Down as Association of Apprentices CEO Read More »
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.
The Association of Apprentices’ Get Ahead Week empowered apprentices and managers with free resources, expert insights, and networking opportunities, addressing critical workplace challenges and supporting professional development.
Get Ahead Week 2025 Read More »
QA, the UK’s largest tech training provider, has achieved a ‘Good’ Ofsted highlighting the value of their partnership with AoA as a “national apprenticeship body”. Find out more…
QA Achieves ‘Good’ Ofsted Rating: A Testament to Quality Apprenticeship Provision Read More »
The DfE-funded etflearners.org will close July 2025. Tintisha Technologies’ new Prevent-It.uk platform offers updated resources including County Lines training. AoA partners receive an exclusive discount on all integration options.
New Prevent Training Platform: Exclusive Partner Discount Read More »
Our 2025 Impact Report is now available. Download the full analysis or one-page highlights to discover how 42,000 apprentices are benefiting from AoA’s targeted support initiatives.
Impact Report 2025 Read More »
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.
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 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.
