From education to work, building readiness through an apprenticeship lens — Rylie Sweeney and Gareth Reynolds

How can schools and trusts better prepare learners for the transition from education to work? In this session, Rylie Sweeney and Gareth Reynolds will explore workplace readiness through an apprenticeship lens, considering how learners build confidence, self-awareness and core skills through meaningful experiences of work. The session will reflect on the current challenge around progression into education, employment or training, and ask how curriculum, work experience and skills-based learning can better engage, elevate and empower learners from every starting point. Delegates will hear lived experience insight and explore how readiness, transition and real-world learning can strengthen curriculum pathways and support future progression.

About the speaker

Rylie Sweeney is an independent consultant working across education, youth and opportunity policy. She works with organisations and government to strengthen policy thinking and improve outcomes for young people. Rylie also serves as a Trustee of ASDAN

Gareth Reynolds is ASDAN’s Director Education and Impact, leading work to strengthen inclusive opportunity, impact and growth. He brings broad education, governance and product leadership experience to support skills-based learning that engages, elevates and empowers learners.