An apprentice-led community to help you
maximise your potential

A not-for-profit organisation designed with you in mind

Mission Statement

We’re here to support the UK’s hugely talented community of almost one million apprentices be their best. We’re not just for apprentices, our work is also led by apprentices.

We provide the social and broader elements often missing from apprenticeship programmes, with access to advice and guidance which supports life-long career development, and a lifetime of professional networks.

Come together with apprentices past and present to support each other. It’s your association.

POST-APPRENTICESHIP RECOGNITION SCHEME (PARS)

PARS

Click here to find out more

Apprenticeships: Pathway to Success produced by ITN Business

A programme produced by ITN Business in partnership with UCAS and ScaleUp Institute launched during National Apprenticeship Week 2024.
 
An apprenticeship can be a gateway to a life-long career but is also an opportunity for upskilling or retraining.

Apprenticeships: Pathway to Success, presented by Warren Nettleford, looks at the opportunities available, best practice support from employers and speak to apprentices across a variety of sectors. It will featuring insightful films from B&Q, DHL Supply Chain, Gowling WLG, Marks and Spencer, NFRC and WTW.

Introducing Essential Guides for Newly-Recruited Apprentices and Line-Managers

Whether you’re a newly recruited apprentice eager to excel in your new role or a line-manager responsible for guiding and nurturing apprentices, these guides are here to support you in the early days and are available for all to use.

From understanding the expectations of your role to honing your communication skills, the guides equip you with the tools you need to thrive. Discover how to make the most of the apprentice experience by building strong relationships and overcoming common challenges.

Both guides are crafted by experienced professionals who understand the unique dynamics of apprenticeships. Packed with practical tips, real-life examples, and actionable strategies, these guides are invaluable for apprentices and line-managers.

Apprentices' Guide
Line Managers' Guide

Are you ready to unlock access to your Association?
Your membership will provide...

Community

Become part of your community and receive support from your peers and colleagues

Personal development

Get access to our skills platform, jam-packed with resources to help increase your employability, knowledge and soft skills

News

Get the industry news you need to know

Apprenticeships are an incredible opportunity for individuals, employers, and the UK as a whole, to think creatively and be aspirational about skills and careers. The Association will support apprentices by connecting you to a network of peers, mentors, and social groups, as well as providing career-boosting resources and events as you continue your journey beyond an apprenticeship. Together, the voice of apprentices will be amplified to call for meaningful change where it is needed. We will help you find your community, develop your career, and fulfil your incredible potential.

All delivered through our dedicated features: AoA Connect and AoA Learn
available on your desktop and mobile devices

Testimonial

Membership is now available for individuals and businesses

Whether you are interested in membership for yourself, your apprentices or your learners, find out how
the Association of Apprentices can help every apprentice fulfil their potential:

With thanks to our Founding Partners

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Membership is for apprentices, but if you want to hear what we're up to, sign up for our monthly newsletter.

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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.

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