More than 100 completed apprentices have already gained professional recognition and post nominals through the Post-Apprenticeship Recognition Scheme, PARS, which is now open to applicants.

Created by the Chartered Institution for Further Education (CIFE) and the Association of Apprentices (AoA), PARS is an award scheme that recognises individuals who complete apprenticeships in the UK.  Successful applicants showcase the skills they have gained during their apprenticeship and their commitment to continuous development and professional standards. Awards are available for all levels of apprenticeship.

As this first milestone is reached, the announcement of a new bursary by education charity, NCFE, will enable many more applicants to benefit. The first organisation to provide support of this kind to PARS, NCFE has committed an initial £5,000 bursary pot to support Level 2 and 3 apprentices across a range of sectors, who are currently underserved with their next steps.

Commenting on the latest development, Lesley Davies, Executive Director of CIFE, said:

“It’s been exciting to open the PARS application system and to see the first tranches of applicants awarded post nominal designations and certification. Professional Recognition reinforces parity for the apprenticeship route as a vital, credible and trusted pathway at any age and career stage.”

Davies added: “PARS is allowing all of us collectively to elevate the societal and industrial cachet of apprenticeships. This is an important boost for efforts to increase retention, full completion and overall achievement nationally. The enthusiastic reception for PARS among apprentices, employers and providers is a hugely encouraging. There has never been a more critical time for skills and we’re thrilled that, with our colleagues at the AoA, we’ve been able to make this initiative happen. As we start the new academic year, it is wonderful that the commitment and generosity of NCFE in establishing the first bursary for PARS will now help many more apprentices benefit from the opportunity presented by the Scheme.“

Emily Rock, CEO at the Association of Apprentices, said: “PARS is game-changing for apprenticeships, raising parity of esteem with other learning routes. It’s truly exciting to be part of.  We are delighted that NCFE is getting behind PARS and helping to make this opportunity available to everyone who may benefit from recognition, especially those at level 2 and 3 in the early phases of their working life and income ladder. As the first bursary partner their support is of real significance to the momentum of PARS. We hope this is just the beginning with other sources of support becoming available to potential applicants from a wide range of stakeholders.”

ENDS

For more information, please visit the PARS pages of the AoC website or CIFE website.