Post-Apprenticeship Recognition Scheme Launched

The Post Apprenticeship Recognition Scheme (PARS) has officially launched in the UK. The scheme gives qualified apprentices the opportunity to be awarded post nominal designations – that is, letters after their name.

Launched by the Association of Apprentices (AoA) and the Chartered Institution for Further Education (CIFE), the scheme aims to give professional status to qualified apprentices.

PARS recognises the unique educational route that is an apprenticeship and rewards those who complete their programme for the skills they have gained and their commitment to continuous development and professional standards.

What letters can apprentices get after their name?

Apprentices who successfully complete their apprenticeship can apply for the relevant post nominal designations. There are four awards available, depending on the level of apprenticeship achieved:

Successful applicants will receive a certificate as well as the right to use the relevant post-nominal designation.

What is the process to apply for PARS?

The process for apprentices to apply for PARS and be able to use letters after their name is fairly simple.

In order to apply, applicants must:

have completed an apprenticeship in the UK on or after 1 January 2019
be in possession of their official apprenticeship completion certificate – they cannot apply until they have received this certificate
have the support of their employer or an industry-linked sponsor, including name and contact details.

Apprentices apply for PARS through an online portal. They will be asked to submit some basic personal information and answer some general questions about their skills and experience. Depending on the level of the apprenticeship, they may be asked to provide further information:

The process is:

Register an account here
Complete the quick eligibility check
Answer the questions as above, and upload your apprenticeship certificate
Pay the application fee.

Where can apprentices apply to PARS?

The PARS application can be done online here: https://pars.awardsplatform.com/

Applicants should have the information detailed above to support their application.

The service aims to respond to applicants within 6 weeks of submitting their application form.

Do apprentices have to pay to use letters after their name?

Yes, there is a fee to apply and the amount depends on the level of the apprenticeship. It is a single payment of between £40 and £75, with no need for renewal. Some employers may wish to pay this fee on behalf of their qualified apprentices, though this is not levy deductible.

There may be bursaries available for those who would benefit from financial assistance. These can be found here: https://associationofapprentices.org.uk/bursaries/