Apprenticeship Networking and Development Events

AoA hosts regular events, both virtually and in-person, across the country. See the event schedule below. For the most up to date information members can access the live event page on AoA Connect: Upcoming Events | AoA Connect (associationofapprentices.org.uk).

Upcoming Events

Skills Workshop – Smart Prompts, Smarter Work: AI Skills for Apprentices

Thu, Feb 26 • 12:00pm – 12:45pm GMT | Unlock the power of AI with this interactive AoA Skills Workshop designed to help apprentices master smarter prompting and build a standout LinkedIn profile. Join Lynx Educate’s Kostas Saridakis and Joyce Yang for a practical, confidence‑boosting session that turns complex AI concepts into real-world skills you can use straight away.

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March Masterclass – The Assessment Toolkit

Fri, Mar 13 • 12:00pm – 1:30pm GMT | Get ready to boost your confidence and take control of your apprenticeship journey with this month’s exclusive Masterclass: The Assessment Toolkit, delivered in partnership with OAL. Join us for a practical, supportive session designed to help you navigate assessments with clarity, structure and real-world tips you can use straight away.

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Skills Workshop – Smash your Digital EPA (for Digital apprentices)

Tue, Mar 17 • 12:00pm – 1:00pm GMT | Get ready to feel confident and prepared for your End‑Point Assessment with this focused 60‑minute Skills Workshop designed exclusively for digital apprentices in partnership with QA. Join us to get practical strategies, digital‑specific insights and clear guidance that will help you showcase your skills and approach your EPA with confidence.

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Skills Workshop – Neurodiversity 101: Thriving in Your Apprenticeship

Fri, Mar 20 • 12:00pm – 1:00pm GMT | Join us for a special 60‑minute Skills Workshop during Neurodiversity Celebration Week to explore what neurodiversity is and how different ways of thinking can help you thrive as an apprentice. You’ll pick up simple strategies and practical adjustments that boost focus, confidence and everyday success.

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Skills Workshop – Money Matters: Finance Made Simple

Tue, Apr 14 • 10:00am – 11:00am BST | Take control of your money with this 60‑minute interactive Skills Workshop, Money Matters: Finance Made Simple, designed to support apprentices with practical tools for financial wellbeing. Join us to understand what financial wellbeing really means, explore its link to mental health and use your own evaluation to set confident next steps.

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Monthly Themes for 2026

Discover Monthly Skill-Building Themes on AoA Connect

At the Association of Apprentices, we’re committed to nurturing professional growth. Our AoA Connect platform offers a unique, theme-based approach to skill development:

Monthly Focus: Each month, we spotlight a specific skill crucial for apprentice success
Curated Content:

  • Access tailored resources designed to enhance your expertise in the monthly theme
  • Interactive Learning: Engage in thought-provoking discussions with fellow apprentices
  • Expert-Led Masterclasses: Gain insights from industry professionals through exclusive sessions

2026 themes below:

Past Events - Stream them and more on AoA On Demand

Line Managing Apprentices Oct 25
Teaching the fundamentals level 2 Maths
EPA Conference
Skills Workshop: Building Relationships for a Successful Apprenticeship (invite your line manager)
Rise and Thrive
Master the art of personal resilience cover image featuring woman smiling
Pearson EPA Clinic

Plus many more available on AoA On Demand, now.

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.