26 Jan 2012
The Alliance of Sector Skills Councils , the organisation responsible for representing the voice of Sector Skills
Councils, Sector Skills Organisations and their employers across the UK skills system, in conjunction with the
National Apprenticeship Service, have today (25 January) launched a new online system to support the
statutory certification of Apprenticeships across England.
As the Certifying Authority for Apprenticeships in England, the Alliance will be responsible for issuing
certificates upon the successful completion of each Apprenticeship. The new centralised Apprenticeship
Certificates England (ACE) system will save Apprenticeship training providers and issuing authorities
valuable time, resource and investment and will allow them to track the progress of Apprenticeship
candidates.
Speaking at the launch, Minister of State for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning, John Hayes MP,
said: “The Government is restoring practical learning to its rightful place as a hallmark of personal
attainment and national pride. Apprenticeships are a gold standard qualification, and it's right that the hard
work of people who undertake them should be marked and celebrated.
“In this Olympic year, I am delighted to launch the new national gold, silver and bronze certificates to
recognise the success of apprentices. The launch of these awards reflects the sterling achievements of the
Alliance of Sector Skills Councils and the National Apprenticeship Service in helping forge a revitalised skills
system that meets - and raises - the aspirations of learners and employers.”
John Rogers, Executive Chair of the Alliance, said: “I am delighted to be able to announce the launch of ACE,
a system that will enable the certification of Apprenticeships in England and will underpin this vital
programme.
“Apprenticeships play an important role in the provision of a highly skilled workforce in England and it is
vital that we ensure individuals have the right skills, at the right time, to ensure they are best-placed to take
advantage of the opportunities that arise as the economy continues to recover.”
Asked what an Apprenticeship meant to her, Tammy Barrow, who was one of the apprentices to receive
her certificate from the Minister at the launch, said: “Upon joining ward D5 at Southampton General
Hospital, I found my role enjoyable, busy yet interesting. I found that I was always learning something new
and wanted to take that step with a formal qualification. Within that year, I had enrolled onto the
Advanced Apprenticeship in Health which has enabled me to gain clinical skills and knowledge which I love
being able to bring to my work area with the support of my Ward, Assessor and Vocational Skills Centre.
“Completing the Advanced Apprenticeship has given me the confidence I needed to progress in Nursing. I
have now enrolled onto the Foundation Degree in Health & Social Care which I believe will enable me to
develop my skills and to progress further within this rewarding field of work.”
Please click here to view Cogent's guide to the new system.
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