A groundbreaking new initiative, the Professional Apprentice Recognition Scheme (PARS), is set to elevate the status of apprenticeships by offering professional recognition to apprentices from all sectors across the UK.
This unique collaboration between the Chartered Institution for Further Education (CIFE) and the Association of Apprentices (AoA) marks the first time that apprentices across different industries can receive a formal award and earn the right to use post-nominal letters such as CSA, CAA, CHA, or CGA, depending on their qualification level.
The introduction of post-nominal designations through the PARS scheme aims to highlight apprentices’ commitment to continuous development and their achievement of recognised professional standards.
The scheme has quickly gained traction, with a growing number of apprentices applying for recognition on completion of their apprenticeship programmes. To date, over 100 apprentices from levels 2 to 7, spanning industries like IT, engineering, hospitality, and finance, have proudly received their PARS awards.
These individuals, backed by the support of their employers, have embraced the opportunity to use their post-nominal letters, showcasing their professional status to clients, colleagues, and peers.
Schemes like PARS are crucial to reinforcing the credibility and value of apprenticeships in a competitive job market; and certainly, the initial reception to PARS has been promising on all fronts.
“Many providers are embracing PARS, including it in their recruitment campaigns and embedding it into their induction programmes,” says Emily Rock, CEO of Association of Apprentices. “And so are employers. Coca Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) is the first employer in the country to sponsor their apprentices to obtain a PARS award.
“Sharon Blyfield OBE, head of early careers and apprenticeships at CCEP, recently announced that their completed apprentices will be the first to have this opportunity, and it will be embedded for future apprentices as part of their offer.”
Apprenticeships play a crucial role in promoting social mobility and expanding opportunities, aligning with government objectives — particularly as retention and completion rates among UK apprentices have shown a decline.
By offering formal recognition and increasing the visibility of apprenticeships, PARS will add momentum to the ongoing efforts to ensure full completion of apprenticeships in the UK, and long-term career success.
Lesley Davies, Executive Director of CIFE, said: “Professional recognition reinforces parity for the apprenticeship route as a vital, credible and trusted pathway at any age and career stage.”
“The enthusiastic reception for PARS among apprentices, employers and providers is hugely encouraging,” she added. “There has never been a more critical time for skills and we’re thrilled that, with our colleagues at the AoA, we’ve been able to make this initiative happen.”
“As the scheme grows, I hope employers begin to recognise the unique qualities of candidates carrying the PARS post-nominals; enabling apprentices to progress their careers without the existing negative judgement, and displaying the benefits and value of apprenticeships to employers.”
— Emma Nolan CGA, UX Designer at OneFile
(Level 6 Digital & Technology Solutions, Software Engineering apprenticeship at Thales).
Supporting underserved apprentices
PARS is not only about recognition but also about providing tangible support to apprentices. In partnership with the awarding body NCFE, the scheme has introduced a bursary programme to help level 2 and 3 apprentices from underserved backgrounds access the recognition they deserve. With an initial £5,000 bursary pot, NCFE will support apprentices across various sectors, ensuring that those from disadvantaged backgrounds can participate in the scheme without financial barriers.
This comes as welcome news, amid St Martin’s Group’s latest report which highlights that while demand for apprenticeships is on the rise, businesses will need more support to keep pace.
“I’m proud to have completed an apprenticeship and highlight it with the same importance of finishing a degree. For me, it’s important to clearly show the apprenticeship badge as a reminder of all the hard work and amazing things I’ve accomplished on the scheme.”
– Holly Mae Darling CGA, External Relations Assistant (Level 7 Accountancy Degree Apprenticeship at Siemens plc.)
Why apply for PARS?
The PARS scheme offers formal recognition of skills, showcasing commitment to professional development. With post-nominal designations, successful applicants can enhance their professional identity and stand out in their industry — boosting employability and accelerating career progression.
To be eligible for the award, applicants must have completed an apprenticeship in the UK on or after 1 January 2019, be in possession of their official apprenticeship completion certificate, and have the support of their employer or an industry-linked sponsor.
“Being acknowledged as a PARS achiever enhances my CV, making me more competitive in the job market and increasing my chances of securing desirable roles. I believe it will also open doors to career advancement opportunities, including promotions, salary increases, and access to higher-level roles within their industry…”
– Hammad Lateef CSA, Fulfilment Centre Associate (Level 2 Supply Chain Warehouse Operative with Business Improvement Techniques NVQ at Amazon UK Services Ltd.)
To get involved or find out more, visit www.associationofapprentices.org.uk or www.fecharter.org.uk.
