The Post Apprenticeship Recognition Scheme (PARS) has been launched by the Association of Apprentices and the Chartered Institution for Further Education to recognise the unique educational route offered by apprenticeships!
This means that, for the first time, completed apprentices will be able to use post-nominals letters to demonstrate their achievements. Qualified apprentices who successfully apply for PARS, from all sectors and industries, can receive an award and the right to use post-nominal designations.
This is a fantastic opportunity for current apprentices, alumni, and employers.
The NCFE are offering grants for those who have completed apprenticeships to help them apply for the scheme. NCFE are offering a bursary to cover the cost assuming applicants meet the criteria.
Successful applicants showcase the skills they have gained during their apprenticeship and their commitment to continuous development and professional standards. Awards are available for all levels of apprenticeship. It is available to anyone who has completed an apprenticeship from 2019 onwards.
PARS was established through a collaboration between the Chartered Institution for Further Education and the Association of Apprentices in response to research which suggested strong support for a professional recognition scheme among apprentices and employers. Professional Recognition reinforces apprenticeships as a vital, credible, and trusted pathway at any age and career stage.
The scheme aims to:
- Support increased retention, normalise full completion and help to improve achievement rates in apprenticeships.
- Contribute to elevating the societal and industrial reputation of apprenticeships.
- Build awareness of the skills, behaviours and impact that qualified apprentices offer to businesses.
Apprenticeships offer a fantastic opportunity to earn while you learn, giving you the skills employers want and a nationally recognised qualification at the same time. Through a mix of on-site college attendance, visits from college assessors, and time developing practical skills and knowledge on the job, an apprenticeship is a great way to undertake training.
Apprenticeships at SMB College Group are taught at the College’s Stephenson and Brooksby Campuses. Stephenson Campus is a specialist technical and trade campus based in Coalville, which has been delivering college-level education for over 100 years. Brooksby Campus is a sprawling 850-acre Estate with a rich heritage specialising in Agriculture and Land-based qualifications among other subjects. The college has a
number of impressive long-standing partnerships with both local and national employers. Notably the college’s partnership with Barratt Developments – one of the UKs top home builders – earned them an AAC Apprenticeship Award for Construction Apprenticeship Provider of the Year in 2022.
If you’re interested in studying an Apprenticeship with SMB College Group, or are an employer who’d like to discuss how apprenticeships can enhance your business, visit our website at www.smbcollegegroup.ac.uk or contact the helpful Apprenticeships team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / 01530 519 001.
More information about PARS, how to apply and available bursary funding can be found on the AoA or CIFE websites or by contacting the PARS Team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..