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News

The latest news

22 September 2022

Former AIM CEO shortlisted for: FAB Individual of The Year

Linda Wyatt, former AIM CEO, was nominated by AIM colleagues in recognition of her (almost) 40 years of service to the FE / Training / Awarding sector.

16 September 2022

Expansion of the AIM Group

On 1 September 2022, AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group merged with Open College Network West Midlands and became one awarding organisation, operating under the name AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group.

9 September 2022

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 1926-2022

Statement from Kevern Kerswell

1 September 2022

AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group merges with Open College Network West Midlands

AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group have merged with Open College Network West Midlands, expanding operations and their portfolio.

1 September 2022

Two becomes one

On 1 September 2022, AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group and Open College Network West Midlands merged and became one organisation and now operate under the name AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group.

5 August 2022

Ensure the Well-Being of your Viewers with AIM's New Spectator Safety Qualification

Our new qualification in Spectator Safety prepares anyone working, as a safety steward for dealing with incidents during live events.

7 June 2022

Merger moves a step closer with the announcement of the CEO designate

Following the announcement of the planned merger between OCNWM and AIM, we are delighted to announce that Kevern Kerswell has been appointed as CEO.

22 April 2022

AIM Assessment shortlisted for ‘Specialist Sector EPAO of the Year Award’

The EPA Awards celebrate the achievements of end-point assessment organisations in the past year and AIM’s submission has been recognised for the work it does in the creative and cultural sector.

12 April 2022

AIM centres can attract more students by delivering free level 3 qualifications in counselling and youth work practice

Many unemployed adults without a level 3 qualification can now access fully funded free level 3 qualifications through the National Skills Fund.

16 March 2022

DfE working with centres to prevent and address ransomware incidents

7 February 2022

What is National Apprenticeship Week 2022?

What is National Apprenticeship Week and why should you celebrate it? In our latest news article, we look at this week-long celebration and its theme Build the Future.

21 January 2022

Apprenticeship Awards: Winners

All Spring Media announced as the winners at the prestigious FEWeek & aelp apprenticeship awards ceremony

20 January 2022

UCAS report shows increase in student nurse applications

A recent report published by UCAS in collaboration with Health Education England (HEE) has shown that the COVID-19 Pandemic has been one of the main causes for an increase in student nurse applications.

8 December 2021

Bifa 2021 craft winners

AIM EPA Assessor, Steve Bray has won the British Independent Film Award for Effects.

30 November 2021

AIM’s Level 3 Counselling Qualification carries UCAS points

AIM’s Level 3 Certificate in Counselling qualification is one of only a few in the country with UCAS points so learners can choose to use the qualification towards university entry tariffs.

18 October 2021

Meet the team at the AIM team

Meet the team at the AOC conference 16-17 November, Birmingham

3 September 2021

Screenskills, Netflix and WarnerMedia apprenticeship pilot uses AIM Assessment as end-point assessment organisation

ScreenSkills, Netflix and WarnerMedia have launched a pilot programme for apprenticeships in the UK’s booming screen industries.

12 August 2021

AIM Qualifications publishes counselling centre survey 2021

AIM Qualifications have recently published a series of counselling surveys for centres offering any qualification within the AIM Qualifications Counselling suite to ensure that the qualifications are valid and up to date.

5 August 2021

AIM Qualifications Level 3 Certificate in Counselling now free to eligible adults

The DfE has recently added the AIM Qualifications Level 3 Certificate in Counselling, to a list of qualifications free for eligible learners.

13 July 2021

New Access to Higher Education Diploma (Creative Industries) Launched

The new diploma provides a clear pathway into further education in creative sectors and covers a range of specialisms

16 June 2021

AIM’s counselling diploma now offers blended practice option for learners

The new module on ‘blended practice’, will enable learners to develop an understanding of working with clients on-line rather than traditional face to face (in the room) working.

29 May 2021

TES FE Awards 2021: AIM centre shortlist and winners

Congratulations to all AIM centres in this year's TES FE Awards.

21 May 2021

AIM’s ESOL International qualification is awarded UCAS points

From May 2021, students successfully completing the AIM Qualifications Level 3 Certificate in ESOL International (Anglia Mastery), will be awarded tariff points which can count towards their university application

18 May 2021

Coronavirus Information Hub

Guidance and advice in relation to new ways of working

10 May 2021

Are vocational qualifications the new next step?

According to a survey for the Social Market Foundation and Further Education Trust for Leadership, more people would prefer their child to take a vocational qualification than attend university.

24 March 2021

ESFA changes in funding

The ESFA has removed funding from some L3 (and below) qualifications

23 March 2021

Ifate launch new survey to seek views on EPA COVID-19 flexibilities

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Institute has helped keep apprenticeships going by introducing flexibilities, which affect the way end-point assessment (EPA) can be carried out. Did these work?

25 February 2021

New and revised STEP TO books revealed by AIM

Internationally acclaimed STEP TO ESOL learning guides have been updated and re-designed as part of a new development by AIM.

15 February 2021

Skills for combating loneliness in young people

AIM’s L2 and L3 Youth Work qualifications have been updated to include new Level 2 and Level 3 components on tackling loneliness and isolation in young people.

13 October 2020

A plea from the Creative Industries Federation Team

The Creative Industries Federation team has today put out a plea for its members to raise awareness of this world-leading sector and to seek continued investment...

30 September 2020

DfE launches support for schools and colleges

The Support Service is an extensive support package to help schools and colleges with essential additional costs associated with running autumn exams

29 September 2020

New qualifications added to the AIM portfolio

New and updated qualification are introduced to the AIM Qualifications portfolio

16 September 2020

The Department for Education publishes guidance on their Exam Support Service.

The DfE has published guidance on their Exam Support Service. The arrangements cover Access to HE, GQ and VTQ qualifications.

14 September 2020

QAA update on numerical marking for the Access to HE Diploma

QAA have provided an update to AHE providers on changes to their marking system for Access to HE Diploma.

18 August 2020

Centre Assessment Grades announcement– impact on VTQs

Centre assessment grades (CAGs) will apply to GCSE and A level results in England, overriding grades that have been determined using a statistical model.

23 July 2020

Access to HE Diploma (Animal Science) launched

The Access to HE Diploma (Animal Science) is the latest qualification to be developed by AIM, in conjunction with a number of HEIs. This latest diploma is aimed at students wanting to gain the skills and knowledge to access undergraduate degrees within th

14 July 2020

Chancellor Rishi Sunak's ‘Plan for Jobs’

Chancellor Rishi Sunak sets out a ‘Plan for Jobs’ that will help businesses bounce back from the Coronavirus outbreak

6 July 2020

Creative industries to receive Government support package

The Federation responds to the announcement of an unprecedented £1.57 billion package to protect UK’s creative industries

21 April 2020

Post-Production Apprenticeship for Technical Operators Launched

The Show Must Go On - Post-Production Apprenticeship Launches Despite Covid-19

19 March 2020

Additional guidance for student teachers on DET courses disrupted due to Covid 19

A statement from the Department of Education regarding DET courses disrupted due to Covid 19 and further education initial teacher education - advice

10 March 2020

AIM Qualifications development: Level 2 award in Psychological Understanding and Responding to Trauma

AIM Qualifications is developing an introductory qualification looking at trauma and how therapeutic practice can be used when working with individuals who have experienced trauma.

25 February 2020

AIM Qualifications in Counselling Skills, levels 2 and 3, are now designated for teaching in Wales by Qualifications Wales

AIM Qualifications' are proud to announce that our level 2 and 3 certificates in Counselling Skills are now designated by Qualifications Wales.

6 February 2020

Additional government funding will support AIM programmes

The (ESFA) are offering funds to providers who encourage the study of skills vital to the success of the economy.

13 January 2020

AIM congratulates partners shortlisted for 2020 TES FE Awards

AIM Qualifications and Assessment would like to congratulate all partners, centres, employers and trainers who are shortlisted for this year’s TES FE Awards.

6 January 2020

Meet the AIM team UK roadshow 2020

The AIM Roadshow is travelling the country and hoping to meet with as many centres as possible

18 December 2019

Call for employers to join an employer-led external quality assurance of apprenticeships

NSAR has issued an invitation to employers to join the ScreenSkills Apprenticeship Board

8 October 2019

Transform the skills landscape in England

Sir Gerry Berragan, CEO of the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education, speaking at the Skills and Employability Forum in London.

27 September 2019

Career coach puts Access to HE students on the right path

QAA has launched Career Coach, an online tool that helps match prospective students with the Access to HE programme that best supports their professional ambitions

26 September 2019

AIM expands its end-point assessment expertise in the creative and cultural industries

AIM is expanding its team and EPA portfolio

14 August 2019

New look AIM

As from 2 September 2019, AIM Awards became AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group, shortened to AIM for simplicity with a new brand and logo.

13 August 2019

Proud sponsors of the Skills & Employability Summit 2019

Join us in London on Thursday 26 September at the Victoria Park Plaza

18 February 2019

Why Aspire chose AIM for Access to HE Diplomas

AIM Awards offers an Access to HE model that is hard to beat

13 December 2018

AIM eLearning courses are now available

AIM Awards Education is proud to release a number of eLearning materials to help prepare learners for assessment.

29 August 2018

AIM Awards Assessment has been awarded a research grant to consider effective delivery of the End Point Assessment

24 August 2018

Expiring AIM Awards Qualifications - 31st December 2018

A number of AIM Awards qualifications will be withdrawn from new learner registrations on 31st December 2018.

14 August 2018

Coming soon…

We are excited to release our three new suites of Level 2 Creative Industries Qualifications

13 August 2018

AIM Awards Level 1 Youth Work Practice Qualifications

Our Level 1 Youth Work Practice qualifications are the starting point for everyone who is looking to become a qualified Youth Worker

6 August 2018

Games, Animation and VFX Skills Qualifications

These AIM qualifications are designed to develop the next generation of talent for the Games, Animation and VFX industries.

16 July 2018

AIMVOCs in Transport and Logistics

We are excited to announce that AIMVOCs in Transport and Logistics qualifications will be available from 1st August 2018 and may be eligible for public funding

17 April 2018

Counselling Qualifications - Extension 2018-2019

We are pleased to announce that the AIM Awards Suite of Counselling qualifications have been extended for the 2018/19 academic year.

12 March 2018

Qualification Update - February 18

25 February 2018

AIM Awards launches into ESports

We have been pleased to support AIM Awards students at Sunderland College

10 October 2017

AIMVOCs & SEFL Important Information

AIMVOCs & SEFL Flyer

1 September 2017

Counselling Standardisation & Review

Aimed at centres who are currently using the AIM Awards Counselling Qualifications at any level.

23 August 2017

Counselling Papers and Mark Schemes: June 2017

Our June 2017 Counselling papers and mark schemes are now available to download. Click here to find out more.

21 August 2017

FAB Finalists 2018

We are delighted to announce that we have been shortlisted for Awarding Organisation of the year.

30 May 2017

New Qualifications Available for 19+ Loans!

We are pleased to announce that a number of AIM Awards qualifications are eligible for Advanced Learner Loans!

12 April 2017

Qualification Extended until 2022

We are pleased to announce that the AIM Awards Level 3 Award in Clinical Skills: Venipuncture (601/2135/X) qualification has been extended for new learner registrations with a review date of 31st July 2022.

5 April 2017

AIM Awards Student Wins the Keith Fletcher 'Outstanding Academic Achievement' Award

4 April 2017

New Units Added to the Suite of Skills for Employment and Further Learning (SEFL) (QCF) Qualifications

16 March 2017

Counselling Papers, Mark Schemes and Examiner Reports January 2017

Papers, mark schemes and examiner reports are available for our January 17 series.

22 February 2017

Your Questions Answered on the RQF

We have compiled a list of useful FAQs on the RQF Transfer of AIM Awards Qualifications.

13 February 2017

New Units Added to the Suite of Skills for Employment and Further Learning (SEFL) (QCF) Qualifications

21 November 2016

We have moved!

We are delighted to announce that we have moved to our fantastic new premises at Derby Pride Park!

15 November 2016

New Pathways Available in AIM Awards Skills for the Creative Industries Qualifications at Level 2

New pathways available in Digital Careers, Games Design and Screen and Media Production.

30 September 2016

We are Winners!

We're delighted to announce that we are finalists at the FAB Awards for Qualification of the Year!

28 September 2016

New Units Added to the Suite of Skills for Employment and Further Learning (SEFL) (QCF) Qualifications

We are pleased to announce that a new bank of units have been added to the AIM Awards Suite of Skills for Employment and Further Learning (SEFL) (QCF) qualifications and are available for centres.

15 September 2016

AIM Awards Fees and Charges Catalogue 16/17

We are pleased to publish the AIM Awards Fees and Charges Catalogue for 16/17. Click here!

19 August 2016

Counselling Papers and Mark Schemes: June 2016

Our June 2016 Counselling papers and mark schemes are now available to download. Click here to find out more.

8 August 2016

Withdrawn Qualifications

Following on from recent requests from Ofqual, we have withdrawn a number of unused AIM Awards qualifications with a last new learner registration date of 30/09/2016.

20 July 2016

Funding for 2016/17

Did you know we have a large number of qualifications and units available for 16-18 and 19+ funding in 2016/17? Our useful guidance and qualification lists are now available!

18 July 2016

AIM Awards Agenda Newsletter Issue One

Welcome to our special conference edition of our new AIM Awards 'agenda' Newsletter!

18 July 2016

AIM Awards Conference Presentations

Thank you to everyone who attended our annual conference earlier this month. Our workshops were well received and it was great to share our exciting new brands with you.

13 July 2016

New Units Added to the Suite of Skills for Employment and Further Learning (SEFL) (QCF) Qualifications

We are pleased to announce that a new bank of units have been added to the AIM Awards Suite of Skills for Employment and Further Learning (SEFL) (QCF) qualifications and are available for centres.

9 June 2016

It's an AIM thing...

We are incredibly pleased to announce our new brand of AIM Awards qualifications and products.

7 June 2016

New Qualifications Available for 19+ Loans!

We’re delighted to announce that, as the Skills Funding Agency update the Advanced Learner Loans Catalogue for 2016-2017, we now have further qualifications available for funding.

5 May 2016

Your AIM Awards Superhero, AIMee!

We are pleased to introduce to you AIMee, our newest member of staff and AIM Awards Superhero!

26 April 2016

AIM Awards response to the Adult Education Budget Funding Guidance

Overview of the AEB and the changes for 2016/17

26 April 2016

Meet Gina Our Keynote Speaker for our 2016 Conference

A pen portrait of our Conference Keynote Speaker Gina Jackson.

5 April 2016

Games, Animation and VFX Skills and UCAS Points

We are pleased to announce that the AIM Awards Level 3 Extended Diploma in Games, Animation and VFX Skills (QCF) qualification has been approved by UCAS to carry admission points to support university applications.

10 February 2016

“Finding diamonds in the rough and helping them shine” - our response to David Cameron’s speech on prison reforms

David Cameron recently announced plans to reform prisons

5 February 2016

New Units Added to the Suite of Skills for Employment and Further Learning (SEFL) (QCF) Qualifications

We are pleased to announce that a new bank of units have been added to the AIM Awards Suite of Skills for Employment and Further Learning (SEFL) (QCF) qualifications and are available for centres.

3 February 2016

New Dates in Derby and London for Introduction to Internal Quality Assurance Training

We are pleased to announce that we are running another Introduction to Internal Quality Assurance Training event!

28 January 2016

Counselling Placements in the Children and Young People Sector

Unlike some Awarding Organisations, we have no restrictions on placements in the children and young people sector...

5 January 2016

New Qualification: Bio-Hazards Cleaning

We are pleased to announce the launch of the AIM Awards Level 2 Award in Bio-Hazards Cleaning qualification!

14 October 2015

Moving Just Got Easier

Find out more about our Change Over Champions

7 October 2015

Gradetraka

AIM Awards is thrilled to announce the launch of our new bespoke online system Gradetraka.

5 October 2015

NextGen Skills Aacademy Celebrates Successful Launch Of Brand New Level 3 Diploma

NextGen Skills Academy’s first qualification in Games, Animation and VFX Skills being taught in colleges now

28 September 2015

SFA funding for Entry Level qualifications and many more!

We are pleased to announce that the Skills Funding Agency (SFA) has approved the following AIM Awards qualifications for adult funding for the academic year 2015/16.

23 September 2015

Next Gen Qualifications Off To A Great Start

We love to hear from providers running AIM Awards qualifications and NESCOT recently sent us the following message.

14 September 2015

New Year, New Faces

Meet our new Director of Business and Director of Quality

3 August 2015

New Units Added to the Suite of Skills for Employment and Further Learning (SEFL) (QCF) Qualifications

We are pleased to announce that a new bank of units have been added to the AIM Awards Suite of Skills for Employment and Further Learning (SEFL) (QCF) qualifications and are available for centres.

14 July 2015

AIM Awards Cleaning Qualifications Approved For SFA Funding In 2015/2016

We are pleased to announce that the AIM Awards Suite of Cleaning (QCF) Qualifications have been approved by the Skills Funding Agency (SFA) for adult funding for the 2015/2016 academic year.

13 July 2015

AIM Awards Gains Low Risk QAA Rating

AIM Awards is delighted to announce that in our recent QAA review of our Access to HE Licence provision, we have been rated low risk.

2 July 2015

AIM Awards Customer Survey

We would appreciate if you could take a few minutes to answer some questions regarding your experience with us as an awarding organisation.

30 June 2015

Digital Agency Bridges Skills Gap With A Pioneering Apprenticeship Sheme

Sift, one of the largest digital agencies in Bristol, have launched a web development apprenticeship scheme to tackle a severe shortage of candidates for technical roles.

16 June 2015

Annual Conference 2015 Presentations

Please find all of the presentations for the AIM Awards Annual Conference 2015 below.

26 May 2015

New Innovative Approach for International Qualification Gets AIM Awards Approval

International Medical Education (IMEUK) has been granted the Ofqual recognised, Level 3 qualification for the Diploma in Medical Studies through AIM Awards.

18 May 2015

Pre-Access Funded Qualifications for 2015/16

We are pleased to announce a range of AIM Award qualifications at Level 2 which have been designed to prepare learners for the demands of the QAA Level 3 Access to Higher Education Diploma have been approved by Ofqual and will be available from June 2015.

23 April 2015

AIM for Progression: Tips from your Curriculum Support Team

Employability Programme Design: How to choose your funded units

16 April 2015

SFA Approval for 2015/16 Funding of AIM Awards Entry 3 and Level 1 SEFL and other qualifications!

We are pleased to announce that the Skills Funding Agency (SFA) has approved the following AIM Awards qualifications for adult funding for the academic year 2015/16

11 March 2015

AIM Supports Keith Fletcher Memorial National Access Prize

The Keith Fletcher Memorial National Access Prize was created after the tragic passing of Mr Fletcher, formerly the Director of OCN South West Region and a great supporter of Access to Higher Education.

11 March 2015

SFA Funding confirmed for the AIM Awards Counselling qualifications in 15-16

The Skills Funding Agency (SFA) has now published the catalogue spreadsheet detailing those qualifications which are funded for 2015/16 for learners aged 19+

5 January 2015

We are friendly - we have worked with the Beehive Northampton to create an Entry Level Curriculum that meets their needs

The Bee Hive, part of Northgate School Arts College in Northampton, is a post-16 school catering for learners with Special Educational Needs. It is home to real-life work environments that are open to the general public including a café and shop, an anima

5 January 2015