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Sixteen Apprentices Awarded with the Post-Apprenticeship Recognition Scheme (PARS) during National Apprenticeship Week

13/02/2024

Sixteen apprentices have achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first recipients of post-nominals through the pioneering Post-Apprenticeship Recognition Scheme (PARS) launched by the Association of Apprentices (AoA) and the Chartered Institution for Further Education (CIFE).

Post-Nominals

This groundbreaking scheme has granted successful apprentices with post-nominal designations based on their apprenticeship level, marking a historic moment as it is the first time such designations have been awarded to apprentices.

The post-nominals awarded to the apprentices correspond to the level of their apprenticeship:

    • CSA (Certificate of Standard Apprenticeship) – level 2
    • CAA (Certificate of Advanced Apprenticeship) – level 3
    • CHA (Certificate of Higher Apprenticeship) – level 4/5
    • CGA (Certificate of Graduate Apprenticeship) – level 6/7

Industry Impact and Future Prospects

The successful pilot of the PARS resulted in all 16 applicants achieving recognition through the scheme. These trailblazing apprentices, ranging from level 2 to level 7, have set a precedent for many more qualified apprentices to follow this distinguished route. 

Future Application and Eligibility

The AoA and CIFE are currently evaluating the PARS pilot and are set to open the programme for applications in the early summer. Prospective applicants must have passed their end-point assessment and secure support from their employer or an industry sponsor. Additionally, they need to demonstrate how their apprenticeship has enabled them to make a positive impact to be eligible for the scheme.

This significant achievement not only recognises these apprentices’ dedication and hard work but also sets a new standard for the recognition and value of vocational education, heralding a new era for apprenticeships. 

To see the article from FE News, please click here.

 
 
 

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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