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People
“If you work hard, you will go places and people will invest in you” – Liam’s story
Liam Hughes
Driver Account Manager
Learning & Development at AO
At AO, we’re big believers that when our people shine, we all shine. That’s why we’re genuinely invested in helping every AOer grow, develop and be their brilliant best, whatever that looks like for them.
Whether they’re just starting out or looking to take their next step, we’ve got a whole range of learning and development opportunities to support them on their journey. From hands on training and mentoring, to leadership programmes and self serve learning, we make it easy to build skills, boost confidence and shape a career to be proud of.
At AO, development isn’t a one-off…it’s part of everyday life.
Wherever you start at AO, there are ways to learn, grow and shape what comes next.
Getting off to a great start
Starting somewhere new is a big step, so we want every AOer to feel welcomed, supported and part of the story from the very beginning.
All AOers are invited to ‘We Are AO’, a full day designed to help them get under the skin of what makes AO, AO. It’s a chance to hear directly from either our CEO or a member of our Senior Leadership Team, who shares our story, our purpose and what matters most to us as a business.
But it’s not just about listening. We Are AO gives our new AOers the chance to explore different parts of the business, meet people they might not usually cross paths with, and start building their AO family. It’s all about helping people feel connected, confident and excited about the part they’ll play here.
Because at AO, settling in isn’t just about learning the job, it’s about understanding who we are, how we all contribute to making customer’s lives easier by helping them brilliantly, and why every AOer matters.
Learn in a way that works for you
Everyone learns differently, so development at AO doesn’t only happen in one way. There’s no single way to learn, and there’s definitely no single way to grow a career. Whether you like to learn through videos, conversations, hands on experience or by getting stuck into something new, there are different ways to build your skills and confidence.
Digital learning
Our Digital Learning Hub is home to a range of development material, including AO Play, our on demand learning platform, as well as webinars, workshops, programmes and resources designed to help AOers grow. Our AOers have access to support, tools and opportunities to learn whenever works for them!
Practical learning
Some of the best learning happens when you’re getting stuck in. At AO, practical learning can include role specific training, inductions, onboarding support and real on the job experiences that help AOers build confidence in the work they do every day. We also offer Apprenticeships and Professional Qualifications, which you can read about below!
Learning from others
AOers have loads to share, and we believe learning from each other is one of the best ways to grow. You might pick up something new from your manager, get support from a mentor, learn from your teammates, or connect with someone in a completely different part of the business. Sometimes it’s a quick conversation, a bit of advice, a shared experience or someone giving you the confidence to try something new.
Personal growth
Personal growth looks different for everyone. It might be building confidence, learning how to communicate better, or handling challenges. It’s not always about the next step on the career ladder, sometimes it’s about feeling more comfortable, capable and confident where you are now, while building skills that can help you wherever your journey takes you next.
See where learning can take you
We’re big believers that learning shouldn’t stop once you’ve landed the job. Whether you’re developing technical skills, building leadership confidence, completing an apprenticeship or exploring something completely new, we’ve got plenty of ways to help you keep moving forward. Because when our people grow, AO grows too Here’s a snapshot of some of the training we offer…
Licence to Manage
Designed for first line managers, Licence to Manage helps build the skills, confidence and tools needed to lead great teams, support performance and help others succeed.
Leading with Impact
Great leadership is about more than getting results. Leading with Impact helps leaders develop their leadership style, build high performing teams and create a positive impact for their people, their teams and AO as a whole.
Brilliant Conversations
The best teams are built on great conversations. Our Brilliant Conversations training gives managers the tools and confidence to have meaningful discussions around performance, development, wellbeing and growth, helping them support their people and create a positive team culture.
Apprenticeships & Professional Qualifications
We support AOers in gaining recognised qualifications that help them grow. From apprenticeships to industry accreditations and professional certifications, there are opportunities to build expertise, broaden your knowledge and invest in your future career.
Where could AO take you?
Career growth doesn’t look the same for everyone, and that’s what makes it exciting! Some AOers move into management, some become experts in their field, some take on new challenges in different parts of the business, and others grow their skills over time in roles they love. Whether it’s a promotion, a sideways move, a new qualification, or simply building confidence and experience, there are lots of ways your AO journey could grow.
Carl’s story
Starting as a Software Developer in 2013 and progressing to Group Tech Director, Carl’s story shows how growth at AO is driven by backing yourself, embracing new challenges and continually learning. Through new opportunities, leadership development and a passion for making things better, he’s built a career that, in his own words, doesn’t feel even close to over.
Honor’s story
From stepping outside her comfort zone to taking on challenges she never thought she’d tackle, Honor’s journey shows how development at AO is about more than building skills. Through the STAR programme, she’s grown in confidence, embraced new opportunities and discovered what she’s capable of, both professionally and personally.
Carlton’s story
After joining AO as a Customer Service Specialist, Carlton quickly grew in confidence, developed new skills and progressed through the Contact Centre’s development pathways. Supported by his managers and teammates, his journey shows how stepping outside your comfort zone can open the door to new opportunities and career growth.
Ashleigh’s story
Ashleigh’s journey shows how development at AO can come in many forms. Through new opportunities, supportive leaders and a culture that encourages people to grow, she’s built her confidence, expanded her skills and continued to progress her career while staying true to herself.
