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: AoA Events 📅

Upcoming Events

Wednesday 30 September 2026 | 11:00am – 12:00pm
Be the Apprentice Manager They Need
As part of the Get Ahead Series 2026, we’re delighted to welcome Aisha Lysejko, Founder of 2040 Leaders, for a free online masterclass designed specifically for line managers of apprentices, apprenticeship teams and early careers professionals. This practical session will explore how managers can better understand the apprentice experience, build confidence, provide effective support and create the conditions for apprentices to thrive from day one. Attendees will gain best-practice guidance, practical tools, real-world insights and opportunities for peer learning, as well as receive the refreshed Get Ahead Guide for Line Managers, available free of charge to all organisations.

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.