News
The BIG Apprentice Survey 2025
The BIG Apprentice Survey 2025 is now open, giving apprentices across the UK the chance to shape the future of apprenticeships. Last year, over 2,000 apprentices shared their insights. This year, we’re aiming even higher.
A Personal Message from Emily Rock: Stepping Down as Association of Apprentices CEO
In a heartfelt farewell, Emily Rock reflects on her journey building the Association of Apprentices into a thriving 50,000-strong community, as she prepares to hand over leadership to incoming CEO Lindsay Conroy in January.
Association of Apprentices Announces Lindsay Conroy as New CEO to Lead Next Phase of Growth
The Association of Apprentices (AoA) has announced the appointment of Lindsay Conroy as its new Chief Executive Officer, as part of a planned leadership transition. Current CEO Emily Rock, who has established AoA as the national voice for apprentices, will work closely with Lindsay until January 2026 to ensure a smooth handover. The change marks an exciting new chapter of growth and influence for the organisation.
Get Ahead Week 2025
The Association of Apprentices’ Get Ahead Week empowered apprentices and managers with free resources, expert insights, and networking opportunities, addressing critical workplace challenges and supporting professional development.
QA Achieves ‘Good’ Ofsted Rating: A Testament to Quality Apprenticeship Provision
QA, the UK’s largest tech training provider, has achieved a ‘Good’ Ofsted highlighting the value of their partnership with AoA as a “national apprenticeship body”. Find out more…
New Prevent Training Platform: Exclusive Partner Discount
The DfE-funded etflearners.org will close July 2025. Tintisha Technologies’ new Prevent-It.uk platform offers updated resources including County Lines training. AoA partners receive an exclusive discount on all integration options.
Impact Report 2025
Our 2025 Impact Report is now available. Download the full analysis or one-page highlights to discover how 42,000 apprentices are benefiting from AoA’s targeted support initiatives.
Member Feedback Survey June 2025
Take part in our Member Feedback Survey for your chance to win a £30 voucher. Have your say!
Association of Apprentices’ CEO Emily Rock Provides Crucial Apprentice Voice Evidence to Education Select Committee
Emily Rock delivers crucial apprentice perspectives to Education Select Committee, ensuring those most impacted by skills policy have their experiences heard.
‘Apprenticeships: Unlocking Opportunities’ a news-style programme with ITN Business and UCAS
Today marks a significant milestone in the world of apprenticeships as we celebrate the launch of an innovative news-style programme, “Apprenticeship: Unlocking Opportunities.” This groundbreaking initiative, unveiled during National Apprenticeship Week, is the result of a collaborative effort between ITN Business, the Association of Apprentices for the fourth consecutive year, and UCAS.
Investing in apprenticeships: The path to a dedicated and cohesive workforce
By offering structured training, mentorship, and clear career development pathways, employers can reduce turnover, foster long-term commitment, and build a dedicated workforce. In fact, a report by the Skills Funding Agency found that 80 per cent of companies investing in apprenticeships experienced an increase in staff retention.
If we want better outcomes, we must listen to apprentices
Despite the current consultations, debates, and discussions about proposed skills and apprenticeship policy, apprentices are not as actively involved as they should be.
This op-ed piece by Emily Rock, CEO of the Association of Apprentices, was originally published in FE Week on January 31, 2025.
The BIG Apprenticeship Survey 2024: Findings and Insights
The Association of Apprentices (AoA) unveils the results of its groundbreaking Big Apprentice Survey, completed in November 2024, offering a comprehensive look into the experiences of over 2,000 apprentices across the UK. This important study provides crucial findings and insights for the whole apprenticeship ecosystem, including employers, training providers, end-point assessment organisations, policymakers, and apprentices themselves.
The BIG Apprenticeship Thank You: Celebrating Apprentices Nationwide
As National Apprenticeship Week 2025 (10th-16th February) approaches, Lifetime Training, the country’s largest apprenticeship provider, is launching The Big Apprenticeship Thank You – a scheme designed to celebrate and reward apprentices for their hard work and dedication.
The BIG Apprentice Survey 2024
To ensure your perspective as an apprentice is heard, participate in this survey to share your opinions and experiences. Your input is invaluable in explaining to the new Government what works well and what could be improved in the apprenticeship system, plus you stand a chance to win one of three £75 e-vouchers of your choice.
‘Get Ahead’ Guides for New Apprentices and Apprentice Managers are Available to Download Now
Free new 2024 Get Ahead Guides now available, offering free support for apprentices and line managers. Download to enhance your apprenticeship journey today!
Apprenticeships: Unlocking Opportunities with UCAS and ITN Business
ITN Business with the Association of Apprentices and UCAS will be launching an in-depth, news-style programme, ‘Apprenticeships: Unlocking Opportunities’ for National Apprenticeship Week 2025
Celebrating Success with PARS: Join the Q&A Session
Over 100 apprentices have successfully completed the Post-Apprenticeship Recognition Scheme (PARS), marking a new era of acknowledgment and esteem for vocational achievements. Join our Q&A to find out more
NCFE launches new PARS bursary to support the employability of apprentices
A new bursary has been launched to help apprentices with their employability and professional recognition.
The Association of Apprentices unveils latest Insights Report for 2024
The Association of Apprentices (AoA) has published its highly anticipated 2024 Insights Report, providing a comprehensive overview of the demographics, experiences, and achievements of its growing membership and partnerships.
Launch of Post-Apprenticeship Recognition Scheme (PARS)
The Association of Apprentices is proud to announce that applications for PARS are now open.