Get Ahead Series 2026: Supporting New Apprentices and the People Around Them
14/08/2026
The Association of Apprentices (AoA) is expanding its successful Get Ahead programme into a two-week development series designed to support apprentices, line managers and employers during one of the busiest periods for apprenticeship starts. Running from 21 September to 2 October 2026, the Get Ahead Series brings together practical resources, expert-led workshops, peer networking opportunities and dedicated support for line managers of apprentices.
Designed primarily for apprentices who have accepted an apprenticeship offer, are preparing to start their apprenticeship, or are in the first few months of their programme, Get Ahead helps participants build confidence, develop key skills and establish strong foundations for success. More established apprentices can also benefit from the workshops, masterclasses and networking opportunities available throughout the series.
For employers, apprenticeship teams and early careers professionals, the programme provides practical tools and guidance to help create positive apprenticeship experiences and support apprentice success from day one.
Why Get Ahead?
The transition into an apprenticeship can be both exciting and challenging. New apprentices often need support to understand workplace expectations, build professional networks, balance work and learning, and develop confidence in their new role. At the same time, line managers play a vital role in shaping the apprentice experience and helping apprentices to thrive.
The Get Ahead Series has been designed to support both audiences, providing practical, accessible and engaging opportunities to develop skills, build connections and access expert guidance.
Who Is Get Ahead For?
Apprentices
Get Ahead is particularly valuable for:
- New recruits who have accepted an apprenticeship offer and are preparing to start
- Apprentices in their first weeks or months in role
- Apprentices looking to build confidence, resilience and professional skills
- Current and former apprentices who want to continue learning and connecting with peers across the UK
Employers and Line Managers
The programme also supports:
- Line managers of apprentices
- Apprenticeship managers and coordinators
- Early careers teams
- HR and talent development professionals
- Organisations committed to improving apprentice engagement, progression and retention
Click below to register.
Be the Apprentice Manager They Need
Monday 21 September | 11:30am – 12:00pm
Maximise Your AoA Membership: Online Member Demo
Start your Get Ahead journey by discovering everything your AoA membership has to offer. Join AoA Community Manager Rachel Kayes for a live online demonstration showcasing the resources, events, community spaces and support available through the Association of Apprentices. Perfect for new members and anyone looking to get more value from their membership. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions and learn how to make the most of AoA throughout your apprenticeship journey.
Monday 21 September | 12:00pm – 1:00pm
New Apprentice Check-In: Foundation, Level 2 and Level 3 Apprentices
Connect with apprentices at a similar stage of their journey in a relaxed, text-based networking session. Share experiences, ask questions and start building your support network from day one.
Monday 21 September | 1:00pm – 2:00pm
New Apprentice Check-In: Level 4 and Level 5 Apprentices
Meet fellow Level 4 and 5 apprentices from across the UK, exchange tips and experiences, and build valuable peer connections in a supportive online environment.
Monday 21 September | 2:00pm – 3:00pm
New Apprentice Check-In: Level 6 and Level 7 Apprentices
Designed for higher and degree apprentices, this session provides an opportunity to network with peers, discuss common challenges and share insights from your apprenticeship journey.
Tuesday 22 September | 12:30pm – 1:30pm
Money Matters: Practical Finance for Apprentices
Led by Justine Percy from FinWELL, this interactive workshop will help apprentices build financial confidence and strengthen money-related wellbeing. From budgeting basics to practical financial planning, you’ll gain useful knowledge that can support both your professional and personal life.Â
Wednesday 23 September
Apprentice Q&A and Peer Learning Session
Hear directly from apprentices and AoA Council members as they share their lived experiences, lessons learned and practical advice for making the most of your apprenticeship. A great opportunity to ask questions and gain reassurance from people who have been in your shoes.
Thursday 24 September | 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Know Yourself to Grow Yourself
Join Mark King and Jeff Slater from The Next Revolution for an engaging workshop designed to help you discover your strengths, understand your motivations and identify how you can use your natural talents to succeed in the workplace. Participants will also receive a free strengths assessment before the session.
Friday 25 September | 12:00pm – 1:30pm
Masterclass of the Month: Kickstart Your Future
Make the most of your apprenticeship from the very start. In this interactive masterclass, Colin Minto will share practical strategies to help you build confidence, develop resilience, overcome imposter syndrome and create a positive mindset for success. Leave with the tools, motivation and clarity to get ahead and achieve your goals.
Free Get Ahead Guide for Apprentices
As part of the programme, AoA will launch an updated Get Ahead Guide for Apprentices, providing practical advice and support to help navigate the early stages of an apprenticeship.
The guide includes information on:
- Starting strong in the workplace
- Working effectively with line managers
- Balancing work and learning
- Off-the-job learning
- Wellbeing and resilience
- Building professional networks
- Making the most of AoA membership and support resources
New for 2026: Get Ahead for Line Managers
For the first time, Get Ahead will extend beyond apprentices to include dedicated support for line managers of apprentices. Running from 28 September to 2 October 2026, the line manager programme recognises the important role managers play in apprentice confidence, engagement, performance and progression.
The programme is designed to help managers better understand the apprentice experience and develop practical approaches to coaching, communication, feedback and confidence building.
Free Get Ahead Guide for Line Managers
AoA will also launch a refreshed Get Ahead Guide for Line Managers.
Previously available exclusively to AoA partners or as a paid resource for non-partners, the updated guide will now be available free of charge to all organisations. The guide will provide practical advice, best practice guidance and actionable support for managers working with apprentices.
Dedicated Line Manager Masterclass
Alongside the guide, AoA will launch a dedicated masterclass for line managers, open to all employers and organisations.
The session will focus on helping managers better support apprentice confidence, development and success in the workplace. Full details will be announced next week.
Helping Apprentices Thrive
Success isn’t just about the apprentice. It’s also about the support they receive.
That’s why, alongside our refreshed Get Ahead Guide for Apprentices, we’re making our newly updated Get Ahead Guide for Line Managers free for everyone. We’ll also be launching a brand-new masterclass for line managers, helping them better support apprentice confidence, development and success. The masterclass will be announced next week and will be open to all. If you think your managers, apprenticeship team or early careers colleagues would benefit, we encourage you to share the programme with them. Together, we can help every apprentice get ahead from day one.
Click below to register.