/ Association of Apprentices, News / By

A Personal Message from Emily Rock: Stepping Down as Association of Apprentices CEO

09/10/2025

Photo of Emily Rock at a podium

“After an incredible few years, I’ve made the decision to step down as CEO of the Association of Apprentices.

 

Having been part of AoA’s journey from day one, helping build it from a bold idea to a thriving community that now supports thousands of apprentices, it feels like the right time to step away as we move into the next exciting phase of growth. I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved together:

 

  • Built a 50,000-strong inclusive apprentice community
  • Delivered over 1 million learning activities
  • Amplified the apprentice voice across the UK

 

I’m delighted to be handing over to Lindsay Conroy, who will take on the CEO role from January. Lindsay brings deep sector expertise and a brilliant vision for the future, and I’ll be working closely with her until the end of the year to support the transition. I’ll always be AoA’s biggest supporter and will remain closely aligned to its mission.

 

I want to thank the amazing AoA team, our Apprentice Leadership Council, our Board of Directors, and our supportive partners, without whom this journey would not have been possible. It’s been an immense privilege to work with you all and thank you for being part of this chapter. 💙”

Part of the Association of Apprentices team and board
Picture by Clint Randall www.pixelprphotography.co.uk

The AoA team wants to say a heartfelt thank you to Emily for being such an inspiring leader. Her genuine passion for supporting apprentices has shaped our organisation and brought us together as a community. She’s championed apprentices every step of the way, and we’ve all learned so much from working alongside her. While we’ll miss her energy and vision, from trying to put up banners at events to providing evidence at the Education Select Committee and being our closeest confidante during one-to-ones, we’re grateful for everything she’s built and wish her all the best in her next chapter.

Back to news

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.