Post-Apprenticeship Recognition Scheme
PARS is the awards scheme for those who have completed an apprenticeship in the UK.
Qualified apprentices who successfully apply for PARS can use post-nominal designations (letters after their name).
PARS is brought to you by the Chartered Institution for Further Education and the Association of Apprentices. It recognises the unique educational route offered by apprenticeships. It highlights that completion of an apprenticeship results in individuals who are assets to organisations, with the resilience, tenacity, organisational skills, and adaptability to manage combined employment and study.
Award Levels
PARS is open to all apprentices who have successfully completed. There are four levels of recognition award:
The fee is a single payment with no need for renewal or repeat cost.
Financial Support & Bursaries
CIFE and AoA have worked hard to keep the fee as low as possible but we recognise that financial support may be really helpful to some applicants. Several bursaries, provided by external partners, are available to support applicants, subject to eligibility criteria.
Click here to find out more about financial support currently on offer.
Eligibility for PARS
To be able to apply for PARS, applicants must meet meet these 3 requirements:
- have completed an apprenticeship in the UK
- be in possession of their official apprenticeship completion certificate – they cannot apply unless they have received this certificate
- have the support of their employer, provider or another industry-linked contact who can verify that your information is correct, if required.
Application Process
The application process is really quick and straightforward. Applicants just need to complete some basic personal information, answer some general questions about their apprenticeship experience, and provide further information based on personal reflections about their apprenticeship journey. In particular, the application process will seek to know about applicants’ contribution to their organisations and communities as a result of the development gained through the apprenticeship and the impact they have been able to make.
What kind of information will applicants be asked to provide?
All applicants will be asked for basic personal details (name, DOB, contact details, employer, training provider and apprenticeship title). They will be asked to answer some general questions describing skills gained through their apprenticeship and additional experiences and achievements.
From Level 3 (Eng/NI/Wales) Level 6 (Scot)
Applicants will also be asked to tell us about the specific benefits and impact of achieving the apprenticeship (up to 250 words).
From Levels 4 & 5 (Eng/NI/Wales) Level 7 & 8 (Scot)
Applicants will also be asked to describe how they are continuing their professional development, any training, learning & development they have undertaken, and any future plans.
They will also be asked to reflect on how the apprenticeship attainment will help them to progress and contribute to their organisation, industry and/or wider community.
You can access the applicant Brief Guide to Applying for PARS here.
Download the Overview for Employers here.
For more details take a look at the FAQS page.
FAQS
Where do I Apply?
You can hit the button below to apply. It will take you through to the application portal where you can register for PARS and start an application!
The Importance of Professional Recognition
Research conducted with apprentices and employers suggested strong support for a professional recognition scheme. Award of post nominal letters elevates and celebrates both the recipient and the apprenticeship route and maintains a continual visible link to the apprenticeship achievement. Apprentices and employers believe that professional recognition can
- support increased retention, normalise full completion and help to improve achievement rates
- contribute to raising parity of esteem
- build awareness of the skills, behaviours and impact that qualified apprentices offer to businesses
This scheme is:
- a one-off recognition of an apprentice’s achievement
- recognition of the unique mode of learning and working that is an apprenticeship
- recognition for a qualified apprentice, their total achievement and the impact that they have made as a result on their organisation and/or community.
- complementary to industry specific or occupational professional recognition
This scheme is not:
- an accreditation with membership of a professional body
- a qualification
- an assessment of competence
- a further validation of technical or occupational competency
Further Information
There are a number of resources available which provide additional information.
An Applicant Guide to making an application can be found here.
An Overview for Employers and Providers can be found here.
For general enquiries about PARS, please email CIFE or AoA using the details below.
