08/09/2024

A new bursary has been launched to help apprentices with their employability and professional recognition.

The Post-Apprenticeship Recognition Scheme (PARS) has been created by the Chartered Institute for Further Education (CIFE) and supported by the Association of Apprentices, with the education charity NCFE being the first organisation to offer a bursary to eligible apprentices.

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. The bursary also aims to further the parity of esteem of apprenticeships alongside other qualifications.

Kim Taylor, Director of Brand, Partnerships & Comms from NCFE said: “We’re delighted to be launching this bursary to help break down barriers for learners and their progression, enabling apprentices at the start of their careers to become even more marketable to employers. As an education charity, we believe in making a positive social impact and this is an area we feel will support that. But this will only happen if it’s fair access and means for all apprentices – regardless of their background and, importantly, their current situation.

“We want as many beneficiaries as possible to experience truly transformational learning experiences, over a lifetime, that enable them to fulfil their potential in their career, and life more broadly.  PARS will help facilitate the recognition of apprenticeships and celebrate the learner’s achievements. The bursary is intended to enable those who wouldn’t ordinarily have the chance to take advantage of this scheme to do so, and we hope that other organisations will follow our lead and contribute to this valuable initiative.”

Professional recognition through post-nominals is well established, such as BA Hons in higher education. Research conducted with apprentices and employers suggests strong support for a professional recognition scheme as the award of post nominal designations can elevate the cachet of both the recipient and the apprenticeship route.

Apprentices and employers believe it can lead to increased retention and improved achievement, contribute to raising parity of esteem against other qualifications, and build awareness of the skills, behaviours, and impact that qualified apprentices can offer to businesses and employers.  

To learn more about the NCFE PARS bursary and apply, visit NCFE Bursary – Association of Apprentices