What is the New PARS Scheme and How Does It Benefit Apprentices?

At Kiwi Education, we understand the importance of professional recognition for apprentices. The journey you take through an apprenticeship is unique and deserves to be celebrated in a meaningful way. That’s where the new Professional Apprenticeship Recognition Scheme (PARS) comes in. Created by the Association of Apprentices (AoA) and the Chartered Institution for Further Education (CIFE), PARS is the first of its kind in the UK—a scheme that acknowledges your achievements and enhances your professional identity.

What Exactly Is PARS?

PARS is a professional recognition scheme designed exclusively for qualified apprentices across the UK (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales). It recognises the skills, behaviours, and impact you’ve gained from completing your apprenticeship. When you earn this recognition, you also receive the right to use post-nominal letters (like CSA, CAA, or CHA) after your name, depending on the level of apprenticeship you’ve completed.

Why Does This Matter?

Apprenticeships are becoming increasingly popular as a solid alternative to traditional academic routes. However, despite this growth, apprenticeships can sometimes lack the same level of prestige as other forms of education. PARS aims to close that gap by giving you a formal recognition of your achievements, helping to raise the profile of apprenticeships and improve parity of esteem with academic qualifications.

How Does PARS Benefit You?

Here are the key ways PARS can make a difference in your career:

1. Professional Validation

With PARS, you get more than just a certificate—you gain post-nominal letters that demonstrate your commitment to professional standards. This is a great way to showcase your skills and boost your credibility. Imagine how impactful it would be to have “CAA” (Certificate of Advanced Apprenticeship) or “CHA” (Certificate of Higher Apprenticeship) attached to your name on LinkedIn or your CV!

1. Career Advancement

Using post-nominal letters shows employers that you’re committed to continuous development. This recognition can make you stand out, whether you’re aiming for a promotion, applying for a new job, or just building your career within your current role. PARS can enhance your employability and open doors for future career progression.

1. Networking Opportunities

One of the major perks of PARS is that it offers you lifetime membership of the Association of Apprentices. This gives you access to a wide community of professionals who, like you, have completed apprenticeships. You can attend networking events, join online forums, and connect with others to continue growing professionally.

1. Contribution to the Apprenticeship Community

By receiving this recognition, you’re not only helping yourself—you’re also supporting the wider apprenticeship community. Your achievements serve as an example for other apprentices and employers, showing how valuable apprenticeship skills are to businesses and the economy as a whole.

What PARS Is Not

It’s important to know that PARS is not an accreditation or a qualification. It’s a one-time recognition of your accomplishment at a specific point in time. It doesn’t replace industry-specific accreditations or professional body memberships, but it does complement them.

Who Can Apply for PARS?

To qualify for PARS, you need to have:

• Completed your apprenticeship on or after January 1, 2019, in the UK.
• A full apprenticeship completion certificate.
• Support from your employer or an industry-linked sponsor.

What Does It Cost?

The cost of PARS depends on the level of your apprenticeship. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Apprenticeship LevelAward NameCostPost-Nominal Designation

Level 2 (Eng/NI/Wales) Certificate of Standard Apprenticeship £40 CSA

Level 3 (Eng/NI/Wales) Certificate of Advanced Apprenticeship £58 CAA

Levels 4-5 (Eng/NI/Wales) Certificate of Higher Apprenticeship £64 CHA

Levels 6-8 (Eng/NI/Wales) Certificate of Graduate Apprenticeship £75 CGA

The fees are set by not-for-profit organisations, meaning they are kept as low as possible and reviewed every six months to remain affordable.

What Will You Receive?

Once approved, you’ll receive both a digital certificate and a hardcopy certificate. You will also have the lifelong right to use the post-nominal designation that matches your level of apprenticeship. These post-nominals help validate your hard work and signal your professional achievement to future employers, colleagues, and clients.

Why Apply for PARS?

• Gain formal recognition for the skills you developed during your apprenticeship.
• Boost your career prospects by distinguishing yourself in a competitive job market.
• Join a professional community that values continuous learning and development.
• Support the apprenticeship movement and showcase how apprentices contribute to businesses and industries.

Final Thoughts

PARS is a ground-breaking way to recognise the unique achievements of apprentices across the UK. At Kiwi Education, we believe this scheme is a fantastic opportunity to gain professional recognition, improve your career prospects, and connect with a community of like-minded professionals. Whether you’re just starting out or are well into your career, PARS can help you stand out and take the next step toward success.

If you’re an apprentice or have recently completed an apprenticeship, don’t miss out on this opportunity to gain formal recognition for your hard work and dedication. Apply for PARS today!

For further insights and guidance on maximising your apprenticeship funding, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at:

Tel: 023 8017 0380

Email: hello@kiwieducation.co.uk

Kiwi & Yuzu Ltd is committed to empowering businesses and individuals through quality education, training, and skills development.