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Launch of Post-Apprenticeship Recognition Scheme (PARS)

23/07/2024

Post-Apprenticeship Recognition Scheme

July marks the wider launch of a new initiative, the Post-Apprenticeship Recognition Scheme (PARS), designed to formally recognise the dedication and hard work of completed apprentices. This initiative, developed by the Chartered Institution for Further Education (CIFE) and the Association of Apprentices, certifies completed apprentices and grants them post-nominal designations (letters after their name).

Value to an Apprentice

By participating in PARS you can:

Gain Recognition: receive formal 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 after your name 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.

This recognition is not just about the skills you have gained; it’s about demonstrating your commitment to professional standards and continuous development, which are highly valued in the job market. Furthermore, employers recognise the importance of supporting apprentices, as it leads to higher completion rates and aligns with business needs, ultimately benefiting both the individual and the organisation.

How to Apply for the Scheme

The application process for PARS is straightforward and digital. Starting from Monday 8 July, you can apply through our online platform. The process requires you to complete basic personal information, answer general questions about your apprenticeship experience, and, for some levels, provide further reflections on your apprenticeship journey. Click to open the Apprentices’ Guide to Applying for the Post-Apprenticeship Recognition Scheme or click here to go through to the PARS website page where you can get more information and begin your application. 

Good luck!

 

Jan Richardson-Wilde

CEO, Occupational Awards Limited

Jan is the CEO of Occupational Awards Limited, a Director of the National Skills Academy for Food and Drink and an FE College Governor. She has over 35 years’ experience in the education sector in strategic and operational management of training programmes with colleges, private training providers, local authorities the voluntary sector and not for profit organisations. Jan has previously been a board member of the Learning and Skills Council, chair of the North Yorkshire Training Provider network and Vice-Chair of Yorkshire Coast College and a Governor of the Grimsby Institute for Further and Higher Education. She has extensive experience of education policy, apprenticeships, qualification, and curriculum development as well as business improvement.

Jan joined OAL in 2019, a leading non-profit industry-focused Awarding and End-Point Assessment Organisation, supporting a wide range of employers and of key stakeholders to succeed and surpass expectations. Jan is committed to continuous improvement and enthusiastic about improving the effectiveness, impact and quality of apprenticeships, education, and training in the UK and internationally. She has a wide range of experience of working in a collaborative context with employers and training providers to develop End Point Assessment, apprenticeships, and a wide range of vocational programmes.

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