PARS is a brand new, first of its kind, professional recognition scheme for qualified apprentices. It has been created by the Association of Apprentices (AoA) and the Chartered Institution for Further Education (CIFE).

PARS recognises the unique educational route that is an apprenticeship and rewards those who complete their programme for the skills they have gained and their commitment to continuous development and professional standards. Recipients will receive a certificate and the right to use a post-nominal designation (letters after their name).

No. PARS is not an accreditation with membership of a professional body, a qualification in its own right or an assessment of competence. It is a one-off recognition of an apprentice’s achievement at a specific point in time and is complementary to academic, industry-specific or occupational professional recognition.

Applicants must:

• Have completed an apprenticeship in the UK (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales) on or after 1 January 2019
• Be in possession of their full apprenticeship completion certificate from the relevant certifying authority for England, Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales
• Have the support from their employer or industry-linked sponsor

Fees have been set based on the size and scope of application at each level. AoA and CIFE are not-for-profit organisations and committed to keeping costs to a minimum. Fees will be reviewed every six months to ensure they remain as low as possible.

Successful applicants will receive a digital certificate by email and a hardcopy certificate in the post. You will then have the right to use the relevant post-nominal designation for the level of award achieved.

• Gain Recognition for the skills you have gained during your apprenticeship and validate your achievements. Your award and post-nominals serve as a valuable signpost for both you and those you work with.
• Get Professional Validation: your PARS post-nominals demonstrate your commitment to professional standards, showcase your transferable skills and credentials and strengthen your reputation, increasing your professional identity and enhancing your credibility with stakeholders.
• Boost Your Career Advancement: having PARS post-nominals distinguishes you in your field and more widely. It demonstrates your commitment to continuous development, enhancing your employability and making you stand out to your employer or potential employers, opening doors for career progression.
• Access Networking Opportunities: PARS gives you lifetime membership of the Association of Apprentices, connecting you to a community of like-minded professionals who have completed their apprenticeships. You can attend networking events and access online platforms to share experiences, continue your learning and build valuable contacts.
• Contribute to Apprenticeships: PARS provides a tangible example of how apprenticeships benefit individuals and employers. Your accomplishments can help new and existing apprentices aspire to achieve their apprenticeship and helps employers to understand the assets apprentices are to their business.

The application gives you an opportunity to tell us about the experiences, achievements and skills that have resulted from your apprenticeship. It is the critical part of your PARS application. Where there are free text questions it means that we want to hear and understand more from you in your own words.

Our judges are seeking answers which are honest, authentic and truly reflective of your impact and experiences as an apprentice, but there are no right or wrong answers. They consider applications very carefully. If an applicant provides all the information requested and answers the questions appropriately, then they will pass. If insufficient information has been provided, then the applicant will be contacted to request they update their application form. 

The Association of Apprentices (AoA) is a social enterprise dedicated to empowering the UK’s talented apprentice community. As the leading apprenticeship membership organisation, we go beyond traditional support systems, offering a unique blend of professional development and social connectivity.

• Our innovative platforms provide apprentices with unparalleled access to:
  Networking opportunities that foster lifelong professional relationships
  • Cutting-edge career development tools for continuous growth
  • A sense of community that strengthens the apprentice voice across industries

By bridging the gap between education and employment, AoA is revolutionising the apprenticeship landscape, creating a dynamic ecosystem where talent thrives and businesses flourish.

The Chartered Institution for Further Education (CIFE) is the only Royal Chartered body for technical and professional further education. It was established by Royal Charter to highlight and promote the excellence of further education and skills training providers and celebrate individual contribution to the advancement of vocational, technical and professional education in England.

Membership is corporate and encompasses organisations across the whole Further Education sector and includes colleges, higher education institutions (HEIs) and independent training providers (ITPs). Members must have strong track records and a commitment to high standards in the delivery of skills needed in modern Britain, a firm ethos of collaboration for the benefit of their key stakeholders and excellence in leadership and governance.

The CIFE works alongside industry to influence and shape the national skills system in order to ensure that technical and professional education is understood as a critical driver of economic development and growth within local communities and the country at large. This work enables the CIFE increasingly to engage at the highest levels of government and to collaborate and share best practice.