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).

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Upcoming Events

Part of the Invested in Apprentice Success Series - Ofsted Expectations Meet Real Apprentice Feedback: Practical Insights to Getting it Right

Ofsted Expectations Meet Real Apprentice Feedback

Thursday 22nd January 2026 – Join us for the Invested in Apprentice Success Series – Ofsted Expectations Meet Real Apprentice Feedback: Practical Insights to Getting it Right, with expert consultant Maureen Deary and Hannah Mehr. Learn practical strategies to align with Ofsted’s latest Inspection Framework and enhance quality through apprentice feedback and CPD.

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Masterclass 2026 Logo

January Masterclass – Start Strong 💪Goals that stick

Friday 30th January – Join our exclusive online masterclass, Start Strong: Goals That Stick, in partnership with BCS. Discover practical strategies to beat procrastination, set achievable goals, and boost confidence. Leave with actionable tips and renewed clarity to kick-start your success in 2026.

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BIG tech Discovery Day with BT sponsored by Cerco

The BIG Tech Discovery Day 2026

Thursday 12th February 2026 – National Apprenticeship Week: Ready to discover the future of tech?
Join us for an unforgettable day of innovation, hands-on experiences, and networking at The BIG Tech Discovery Day – exclusively for apprentices!

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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:

Jan 26
Feb 26
March 26
Apr 26
May 26
Jun 26
Jul 26
Aug 26
Sept 26
Oct 26
Nov 26
Dec 26

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.