The NCFE Bursary

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NCFE PARS Bursary Application

Thank you for your interest in applying for the Post-Apprenticeship Recognition Scheme (PARS) bursary from NCFE.

This bursary is designed to cover the single fee for eligible Apprentices who are applying for 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.  
The bursary also aims to further the parity of esteem of apprenticeships alongside other qualifications. The Post-Apprenticeship Recognition Scheme (PARS) has been created by the Chartered Institute for Further Education (CIFE) in collaboration with the Association of Apprentices, with the education charity NCFE being the first organisation to offer a bursary to eligible apprentices.
 
Why is it important? 
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 be eligible for the bursary, you must meet the following criteria:
 
  1. You completed a Level 2 or Level 3 (Eng/Wales/NI) / Level 5 or Level 6 (Scot) apprenticeship on or after 1 January 2019
 
  2. You have received your certificate of apprenticeship completion, as you will not be able to apply without it (see the FAQs here for examples of the relevant certificates)
 
  3. One of the following describes you: 
     a. You work for a small business with under 250 employees, OR 
     b. You work for a larger business with 250+ employees and earning minimum wage, OR 
     c. You are currently in full-time education, OR
     d. You are currently unemployed
If you are successful in receiving a bursary, the voucher code must be used as soon as possible and no later than 3 days from when you receive the email confirming you are successful. The code will expire and you may not be able to re-apply for this bursary.
 

Please remember before you apply for PARS you must:

  • Have your apprenticeship completion certificate, you will not be able to apply without this
  • Have the support of a referee; this can be your employer or an industry-linked sponsor
Click here to apply

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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