RM Apprentice recognition

Former Postal Apprentice and now Lead Customer Operation Manager, Lois Hempston CSA and Reward Compliance Manager, Alison Watson CGA, were 2 of the first 16 to receive this prestigious recognition this week, as part of National Apprenticeships Week. 

The Association of Apprentices (AoA) and the Chartered Institution for Further Education (CIFE) launched the post-apprenticeship recognition scheme (PARS) in November to “elevate the societal and industrial cachet” of apprenticeships and help to increase retention and achievements. 

Successful apprentices are awarded a “professional status” and post-nominal designations through the scheme depending on their apprenticeship level. Post-nominal designations are typically awarded for graduate-level qualifications, honours or professional body memberships, but have now been awarded to apprentices for the first time. 

CIFE and AoA have run a pilot of the scheme and said all 16 applicants were successful. The 16 apprentices range from level 2 to level 7, are the first in the country to be awarded the new professional status.  

Charlotte Wakeham, Head of Future Talent says: “I am delighted that we were able to be part of the PARS pilot and see this as a key milestone in raising the profile of apprenticeships. We are proud that Lois and Alison are paving the way for future apprentices to enable them to also obtain at a glance recognition through the letters after their name”.  

Well done Lois and Alison!